Influence of Wider Longitudinal Road Markings on Vehicle Speeds in Two-Lane Rural Highways

Francisco Calvo-Poyo, Juan de Oña, Laura Garach Morcillo and José Navarro-Moreno
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Francisco Calvo-Poyo: TRYSE Research Group, Department of Civil Engineering, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain
Juan de Oña: TRYSE Research Group, Department of Civil Engineering, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain
Laura Garach Morcillo: TRYSE Research Group, Department of Civil Engineering, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain
José Navarro-Moreno: TRYSE Research Group, Department of Civil Engineering, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain

Sustainability, 2020, vol. 12, issue 20, 1-11

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.

Keywords: wider road markings; longitudinal pavement markings; driving speed; circulation speed; before and after road safety evaluation (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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