Simple Measures Save Lives

This article describes how manufacturers are constantly upgrading marking materials and equipment. Now those responsible for highways are being asked to do more because of the fact that a recent report claimed that nearly one-third of the length of Britain’s single carriageway A-roads have white lines so worn out that they do not meet recognized standards. According to this report, an assessment of more than 2,400km of the road network, Britain’s most dangerous roads have the most worn-out center line markings, which leaves drivers clueless when trying to read the road. The report, from the Road Safety Marking Association (RSMA), points out that some two-thirds of all United Kingdom (UK) road deaths and serious injuries are on rural A-roads. Yet, the report claims, of more than 60 single carriageway A-roads surveyed, totaling more than 1,600km, on average 14% of road markings are completely worn out. A further 15% fall into the ‘amber’ zone and should immediately be scheduled for replacement. Just 29% of lines reach the acceptable level of visibility, claims the RSMA. The quality of markings on major A-roads is in line with those on motorways. Of the 750km-plus of A-roads and motorways surveyed, one in five fell below the minimum specifiable standard and should be scheduled for replacement while 8% have center line markings so worn that they are barely visible, claims the RSMA.

• Record URL:
  http://www.worldhighways.com/features/article.cfm?recordID=4716
• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/oclc/25073860
• Authors:
  • Smith, Patrick
• Publication Date: 2011

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Print
• Features: Photos;
• Pagination: pp 55-56
• Serial:
  • World Highways/Routes du Monde
  • Publisher: Route One Publishing Limited
  • ISSN: 0964-4598
  • Serial URL: http://www.worldhighways.com

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Edge lines; Fatalities; Human factors in crashes; Lane lines; Marking materials; Road markings; Traffic control devices; Traffic crashes; Traffic safety
• Subject Areas: Highways; Safety and Human Factors; I82: Accidents and Transport Infrastructure;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01350769
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Aug 31 2011 7:45AM