Road marking is an essential component in creating a safer and more efficient road environment. The key usually lies in “reflection”, but applying paint in different textures will also prevent rainwater from accumulating on the paint, and will thus enable the glass beads to reflect light to the driver’s eyes in difficult driving conditions as well, such as wetness and minimal environmental visibility. For example, “drops” texture will also prevent motorbikes skidding.
Road markings were always considered a cheap and simple product; anybody can purchase a machine and start to paint. That’s the reason for the increase in the number of road contractors. But utilizing good and effective products has decreased over the years.
Products that are durable for a long term cost more but their advantages in road safety are clear. This is especially so for the elderly population whose quantity of drivers has relatively increased in recent years.
The authorities have decided in the past, and rightfully so, to broaden the road markings from a width of 10 cm to 15-20 cm in longitudinal lines, and this has proven to be effective. In addition, more rumble strip markings were placed on shoulders which transmitted a warning to sleepy drivers that they may be going off the road and onto dangerous shoulders.
Lighter and wider strips improved safety, and this is a fact! In addition, glass beads with a higher reflection index, due to their relative size and their glass quality, provide a safety added value in that they offer an improved night visibility and an especially high reflection. The minimal response time of a driver is about 2 seconds, and it changes according to the quality and width of the marking.