Abstract
Longitudinal road markings are a valuable aid in driving guidance. An increase in their width may influence driving and, therefore, road safety. Wider road markings generate a perception of a narrowing lane, which may induct drivers to reduce speed. The present study tries to verify if an increased width of longitudinal road markings actually helps one to drive more slowly, and consequently leads to enhanced road safety. For this purpose, three curves with reduced visibility were selected and driving speed was measured with normal and modified (wider) longitudinal road markings. The results showed a speed reduction effect of around 3.1% with wide road markings. The speed-reducing effect of wide marks was greater during weekends and with more intense traffic volume, while it was slightly attenuated by night. Finally, the calculation of some standard cases on a working day, and considering average traffic volume, gave the following speed reductions during the day and at night, respectively: for light vehicles, 2.24% and 1.96%; for heavy vehicles, 2.46% and 2.15%. In view of the results obtained, it may be said that using wide road markings can help reduce vehicle speed, thereby contributing to reduced traffic accidents and making road transport more sustainable.
Highlights
Some European countries use wider road markings [1]
It can be said that the width of longitudinal road markings on two-lane rural highways in Spain does not usually exceed 15 cm, the norm establishes that in sections where there is a heightened possibility of conflict or risk for circulation, the recommended width is increased to 30 cm
It can be said that wider road markings have a speed-reducing effect, which may be related to the driver’s perception of narrower lanes
Summary
Some European countries use wider road markings [1]. Denmark, Germany, and Sweden use markings up to 30 cm in width. Sweden increased the width of their longitudinal road markings to improve visibility at night, from 10 to 15 cm on the axis and from 20 to 30 cm at the edges [2]. In Spain, the current width of longitudinal road markings is established by Regulation 8.2-IC [4]. It can be said that the width of longitudinal road markings on two-lane rural highways in Spain does not usually exceed 15 cm, the norm establishes that in sections where there is a heightened possibility of conflict or risk for circulation (e.g., climbing lanes, merge and diverge segments, etc.), the recommended width is increased to 30 cm. Mark widening would be advisable as well for dangerous curves, urban crossings, intersections, and accident concentration sections
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