Road Markings and its Various Aspects

What is the Road Marking?

Road marking is basically done to ensure a proper guide and also to restrain the traffic on a road. The markings are very important because they stand as a psychological barrier and symbolize the depiction of traffic path and the dispersion of the side of the highways. The road marking actually promotes the safe flow of traffic and ensures that no accident takes place under any circumstances. The road marking regulates the movements of the walkers and cyclists into the safe territory. Road marking gives the information to the road user by not altering the attention from the highway. 

Knits and Grits Involved in Road Markings

Colors used: White color means all markings; yellow means no overtaking zones, resistance to ones who come near the mark, and restrictions for parking lots. Black color means the alternative for the white color used for the pavements.

Materials used: Materials used for the road marking are thermoplastic paints, reflective paints, and prefabricated sheets. 

Varieties of road markings: Road markings are classified in longitudinal markings, transverse markings, word messages, marking for parking, marking at hazardous spaces. The character of a message is displayed in a long manner for the drivers will easily read when they are looking at from a low angle.

a) Longitudinal markings: These markings are used to show the driver the appropriate position on the road. The markings show the direction of traffic which the driver should follow.

b) Transverse markings: These markings are done along the direction of traffic. The point of junction is where the markings are done. The determination of road marking for any specific junction is enabled by speed, traffic, the space availability, the crossing for the pedestrians, the direction of arrows’) Word messages: There are also inscriptions that convey the information which will guide the travelers. There are word messages with capital letters with brief legends; each message should not be more than three words.  As word messages need time to read and understand, henceforth, a few and significant ones are used. Examples: STOP, SLOW, RIGHT TURN ONLY etc. 

d) Parking markings: There are markings of parking spaces that help in the proper use of parking like, bus stops, fire hydrant zones. Solid white lines with 100 mm of breadth are used to show the parking spaces restrictions. If the parking space is exclusively for a particular vehicle like TAXI or CARS then it is indicated by big fonts. The parking limitation can also be indicated by using yellow line 100 mm broad covering the car or the vehicle can be used.

e) Hazardous location:  A change in the width of the road or any dangerous location, there should be an alert for the driver by marking them. The road markings should be 100mm extensive and the lines that intersect should be 150 mm broad. The length should not be less than twenty times the offset distance.

Let’s Get to The Terms:

1. Painted arrows help the drivers in taking the direction.
2. Dividing lines enable the drivers in turning to the right side at the junction of the road.
3. Painted islands are markings that actually alert the drivers not to drive in that area for a while.
4. Edge lines are used to keep the traffic off the borders in a soft road and lanes which are broken down; it acts as the eyes for the cars to alert them the direction where they are heading towards.
5. Dragon teeth the triangular chains of marking that are positioned in a pairs on the side of the road or lanes.

Thus, these are the means adapted for controlling the traffic.