Reaction Behaviour of Drivers to Road Markings: Case Study of Main South Road Lesotho – N8 Road South Africa

Abstract

Road user behavior is one of the most critical components of traffic system, this is because it is unpredictable in nature. The variation in the behavioral responses of the road users has significantly contributed to the increase in traffic fatality rate. Consequently, the need for traffic control measures arises. Traffic control system such as traffic signals, traffic signs and road markings, on a road network tends to considerably reduce the number of conflicts and minimize road user’s mistakes. However, the mortality rate on road accidents is on the increasing trend globally. Focusing on road markings as a traffic control system, the conducted study investigates the reaction behavior of drivers to road marking. Using random sampling methods, cross-border drivers between Main South-Road Lesotho and N8 Road, South Africa were interviewed on their experiences when driving on marked and unmarked roads. The questionnaire includes sections on driver personal experience, driver’s reactions to road markings and the necessity for road marking and other traffic controls. Results show that approximately 67.7% of the drivers agree that their psychological state is influenced by road markings. Furthermore, using chi-square statistical analysis, results establish that the gender, age and educational background characteristics of drivers and their psychological responses to road marking are dependent on each other. In conclusion, emphasis on the necessity of road marking in reducing traffic fatality rate and the psychological effect of the unavailability of road marking on driver’s behavior in most developing countries is presented.