Road safety is promoted primarily through visual indicators, such as road signs and pavement markings. Even beginner drivers won’t have difficulty in interpreting these. Aside from a few symbols, most signs are usually self-explanatory.
Meanwhile, road markings are used to indicate lanes. Depending on the color and pattern, they can set restrictions. However, road markings can be used in other places and not just as traffic indicators. Let’s explore the other ways it can be applied.
Pedestrian Crosswalk
Crosswalks show people where they can cross without endangering their lives and becoming a hazard for drivers. However, these can’t be placed just anywhere, as it can be dangerous for pedestrians. There are certain criteria to be met when determining a crosswalk’s location.
Place crosswalks in areas where traffic can be controlled by signs and traffic lights, such as intersections. Crossing pedestrians should be visible even from afar so that a driver can slow down in advance. Avoid putting crosswalks in streets with sharp turns or corners.
Warn drivers that they are approaching a pedestrian lane using eye-catching signs. To make the crosswalks easier to see, search for reliable thermoplastic paint suppliers. This kind of road paint is durable and reflects light easily because it contains glass beads.
Bicycle Lanes
Bike lanes are divided from the road by a continuous narrow strip of paint. This designates a space where only bikes are allowed to travel and keeps cyclists from colliding with cars. Easy-to-see signs should indicate the start and end of a bike lane.
There are a few things to consider when deciding on a bike lane’s location and dimensions. It should be placed between the car lane and the sidewalk. However, cyclists will still need to merge with traffic, so avoid placing barriers between the car lane and bike lane.
Avoid creating two-way bicycle lanes, as it increases the chance of accidents through counterflow. Instead, consider placing two bike lanes on both sides of the street for the cyclists to follow the direction of traffic.
Parking Area
Outdoor parking spaces are designated by sets of parallel lines vertically or diagonally. When planning out the layout of your parking, make sure that it can accommodate larger vehicles such as trucks or vans. Don’t forget to set aside a handicapped spot.
Keep your parking space as close as possible to the entrance of your building. However, make sure that occupied parking spots don’t become obstructions for employees or visitors who are entering and exiting your building.
Don’t forget to place entry and exit aisles for your parking space. While two lanes are ideal for minimal traffic, one lane is enough if your parking spots are diagonal or you have a small parking lot.
School Zone
Drivers should be warned if they are approaching a school zone so that they drive at a lower speed and stay alert. Use pavement markings with text such as “School Zone Ahead” coupled with road signs that request drivers to slow down.
While you want drivers to be alert as they drive, make sure that you plan the placement of the road signs and pavement markings properly so that they won’t become visual clutter for the neighborhood. Instead, focus on making them as eye-catching as possible.
As a final note, planning out your pavement painting project is essential to avoid mistakes. Coordinate with engineers and other professionals so that you will know more about the factors that affect road marking placement and make a more thought-out plan.
