A Guide To Traffic Lines

By Andrea Davidson


Traffic lines, also commonly known as road surface markings, are the markings or devices used on nearly all road surfaces with the purpose of conveying information regarding the many traffic rules. It can be applied in various non road situations as well, with parking lots being a prime example. It can also be utilized to designate specific areas with certain uses in mind.

The lines are frequently used on roads that are paved in order to provide proper guidance to both pedestrians and drivers. It is important to focus on uniformity for several reasons, such as to keep confusion to a minimum. Many countries have different ways of categorizing and specifying these markings.

There are different variations of these things as they can be permanent or not. They can also be non mechanical or mechanical. Other purposes include the delineating of traffic lanes, to serve as info providers to the pedestrians and to serve in generating noise when running across the road. It can also be used to wake sleeping drivers when these are on the road shoulders.

Another purpose is to indicate regulation when it comes to stopping and parking. There are continuous efforts to constantly improve this system. Technological breakthroughs have included the addition of retroreflectivity, the addition of longevity and lowered installation costs.

Turning towards its history, it was first conceptualized by the chairman of the Boards of Roads within Wayne County, Michigan who went by the name of Edward N. Hines. This was considered to be a very fine innovation back in the year 1911. For his contribution, Hines was inducted into the Hall of Honors of Michigan Transportation, albeit posthumously in 1972.

Utilizing these things within rural highways was an idea that was conceived in 1917. It was even implemented within three states in the United States. Oddly enough, each of these three states acted independently from each other. They were California, Oregon and Michigan.

People eventually began to debate about the use of colors. The role colors played became significant enough to warrant official mandates. In November of 1954, there were about forty seven states that adopted white as their color. Oregon, one of the first states to use these markers, held out and used yellow. Eventually, the use of yellow as a center line became widespread nationwide.

It was so successful, that other countries began to adopt it. Within the U. K, there were multiple accidents due to reckless driving. It went all the way back to the early days of motor vehicles. At one point, it was looked upon as an experiment but the results were quite good that it led to another nationwide acceptance. Other countries followed soon after that.

As one can clearly tell, the history of traffic lines is extensive but relatively new. Some may find it uninteresting, but there is little doubt about its informative nature. To this day, it has several uses for the benefit of pedestrians and drivers alike. It is often overlooked by most people in modern day society, but the numerous beneficial results cannot be denied.




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