With this in mind, in this short blog post, we look at 6 of the key reasons road markings, including lines, symbols, and specific patterns are important, and an essential factor to help ensure road safety for drivers, and pedestrians.
Road markings are essential for traffic guidance and lane discipline
Line marking on roads is designed to provide vital guidance to drivers, helping them understand the layout of the road so that they can navigate safely, particularly when it comes to lane discipline.
Lane markings, either solid lines, or dashed lines show drivers where to position their vehicles, whilst also establishing clear boundaries, which helps reduce the risk of accidents, and keeps the traffic flowing.
Road markings make the road easier to see
Road markings installed by a professional road marking contractor, using applications such as thermoplastic, are designed to show up on lit and unlit roads in various challenging conditions, including fog, and heavy rain. This extra visibility the line markings provide means that road users generally feel safer and that drivers are more able to make informed decisions when necessary, therefore improving overall road safety.
Road markings help to separate traffic
Our roads are used by all types of vehicles, including trucks, buses, cars, and cycles. And, road markings, like bus lanes, cycle lanes etc., play an essential role in separating each of these vehicles.
By keeping traffic separated using various road markings, you also help to reduce incidents of road rage, especially during rush hour, or at other peak times, and particularly between motorists and cyclists.
Road markings are essential for effective traffic flow
Along with other road furniture vital for safety, such as traffic lights, and strategically placed road signage, road markings are essential to help maintain smooth traffic flow on major and minor roads.
The increased efficiency in traffic flow road markings create not only benefits individual drivers, but it’s also an effective way to reduce overall congestion, and to reduce travel times for public transport, including buses and taxis.
Road markings help with speed management
Road markings, such as speed limit symbols, dashed lane dividers, rumble strips etc., are routinely used to regulate and control vehicle speeds, an essential factor in maintaining safety across the road network.
Another benefit of controlling vehicle speeds, apart from safety, is to aid traffic flow, whether that means slowing drivers down at certain junctions, or by encouraging sensible spacing between moving vehicles.
Road markings communicate and inform
Road markings such as symbols, arrows, parking bay markings, and directional markings give drivers a clear method of obtaining the information they need quickly, to help navigate the road system with confidence.
Road markings also provide essential warnings to drivers in advance, such as warning of upcoming pedestrian crossings, school zones, or dangerous bends in the road, therefore helping to prepare drivers and help lower accident rates.
Contact us
If you’re looking for a road marking contractor to install road markings on public or private roads anywhere in the UK, contact us today to speak to one of our line marking experts, or to book your free site survey.