Pavement markings are an effective way of communicating information to drivers on the road. They play an important role in road safety, guiding vehicles for short-range driving operations, as well as for long-range vehicle alignment on the road.
In commercial and residential properties, lanes, crosswalks and other kinds of markings serve to guide both drivers and the walking community to safety.
Road Safety Issues in the Philippines
Despite the fact that many of our street roads generally follow the standards outlined by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), the fact remains: there is still a high incidence of road accidents on a yearly basis.
The World Health Organization (WHO) Global Status Report on Road Safety for 2018 estimated that an average of 12.3 for every 100,000 Filipinos die due to road-related accidents.
MMDA’s Metro Manila Accident Report and Analysis system for the National Capital Region (NCR) also recorded a daily average of 49 injuries and a total of 394 deaths in 2018 – more than one fatality per day – due to road-related accidents.
Outside of urban areas, many secondary roads and provincial highways have basic road markings, but not enough lighting or stoplights to guide drivers and pedestrians.
The Importance of Road Markings for Drivers, Pedestrians, and Communities
Driver education and licensing, vehicle testing, and traffic road signs are important aspects of road-related safety. So is the correct and consistent application of road and highway markings.
Let’s review five reasons why highly visible, reflective road markings help improve safety, efficiency, and vehicle flow for streets and highways, commercial and residential properties, and take care of pedestrian communities.
1. Road Markings Help Regulate Traffic
Motorists who are on the road must adhere to existing driving and traffic regulations. Road markings support this by highlighting driving maneuvers that are allowed on specific segments or stretches of the road.
Clearly marked roads allow drivers to follow road regulations accurately. Drivers who understand the difference between solid and broken white lines know when to stay on their lane or when it’s all right to overtake another vehicle. They can make left or right-hand side turns safely. They won’t get caught in the yellow, X-marked, “Do Not Block” intersection boxes when the light turns red, which can land the driver heavy fines and cause frustrating, additional traffic.
2. Driver and Pedestrian Safety Increases
Properly marked roads increase safety both for drivers and pedestrians. Painted, highly visible pedestrian lanes and crosswalks protect pedestrians using them correctly, while drivers slow down and stop, allowing pedestrians to walk across safely.
Other driver and pedestrian safety road markings include loading and unloading zones; clearly designated parking areas, as well as no parking and tow-away zones. These types of road markings are important on roads, as well as in commercial areas, malls, schools, and government buildings.
3. Night-time Visibility Improves
Well-marked roads can decrease the risk of night-related driving accidents.
Drivers face all kinds of situations on the road, including heavy rain during typhoon season, or the appearance of fog in elevated locations.
Road markings provide added safety for long-haul truck drivers doing overnight drives. It allows them to see lanes and intersections more clearly, especially on provincial roads with no stoplights. Drivers can calculate more accurately when to speed up or slow down safely along the highway.
4. Senior Citizens and PWDs Benefit from Designated Lanes and Spaces
Road striping creates much-needed designated parking and access spaces for senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWDs).
Malls and supermarkets can allot and group designated parking spaces for senior citizens and persons with disabilities closer to mall entrances and driveways, as well as marking ramps and pedestrian access areas for their convenience.
It is important to facilitate parking and pedestrian access to all. This is a fair and practical way for public and private establishments to take care of this community.
5. Parking Space Allocation and Navigation is more Efficient
Commercial and residential properties benefit from properly marked parking driveway entrances and parking slots.
Not only are they a way of maximizing parking efficiently; proper arrow and directional markings ease traffic flow and reduce the possible occurrence of accidents and damage to property.
Reflective thermoplastic road marking paint is a practical and cost-effective of creating safety for drivers and pedestrians on the road. Reflective paint benefits both daytime and night-time road conditions.
Choose the right road marking solutions for your city, community, and commercial properties. Contact us today to discuss your individual requirements.
