Reasons For Using Road Line Markings
Road markings are important features on the roads, as they allow for more efficient and convenient transport for the drivers and other road users. For drivers, the road line markings provide vital information and guidance, and in some cases the road markings are used in combination with other signs and devices for further assistance. Also, the road markings enhance the safety on the roads.
One common type of road line markings are the center lines. The center lines are heavily used on the roads, and according to one study the number of accidents is reduced by almost 30% when center lines are used on the roads. Unfortunately, these lines have some negative sides, as they can be completely covered by snow, making them hard or impossible to notice. However, the road markings are still very beneficial, because they provide important information for the drivers without distracting their attention from the road.
The road markings are used for many different reasons, and they are usually inserted on the roads with special road line marking equipment. Read on to find out the most common reasons for using road line markings.
Center Lines
These lines are used to separate the road in two opposite directions, and they are commonly inserted at the geometric center of the road. The center lines provide guidance for the drivers and significantly improve the road safety.
No Passing Zones
The no passing zones are usually used where there are no terms for safe passing on the roads because the sight distance is less than the minimum. These road markings are painted with specific road line marking equipment and improve the safety of the pedestrians.
Words & Symbols
Different types of words and symbols are commonly marked on the roads, and they do not require the use of specific road line marking equipment. These road markings can guide, warn and regulate the traffic, providing the road users increased safety. However, these road line markings shouldn’t include more than three lines of information, and shouldn’t be used where movement is prohibited. Also, the letters and numbers should not be bigger than 35 cm in height.
Edge Lines
The road edge lines provide a guidance to the edge of the road, thus improve the overall safety on the road. They are a valuable visual reference, and are are installed with specific road line marking equipment in order to be visible even in bad weather and poor visibility conditions.
Lane Lines
The lane lines, also known as broken lines, are separate lanes of traffic in the same direction. These road line markings permit changing of lanes. Usually, they are solid white lines installed with special road line marking equipment and they discourage lane changing.