If you’ve ever been on a long car journey, you’ve probably noticed the markings on the road as you drive. These markings come in different colors and patterns, and they have important meanings for road safety.
The history of road markings goes back to 1918 in the United Kingdom, when white lines were first painted to indicate stopping points at intersections and junctions. By 1926, the practice of marking roads became standardized. White lines started to be used to separate lanes of traffic in the 1940s.
Yellow lines were introduced in the 1950s to communicate restrictions on parking, waiting, and loading.
Today, many road markings are made of thermoplastic, a durable material applied while hot. This material lasts longer and doesn’t fade easily, making it a better choice for road markings.
The most common road markings are usually white or yellow and come in solid lines, broken lines, or a combination of both. Here’s what they mean:
- Solid White Line: Indicates that changing lanes or overtaking is not allowed. Stay in your lane until the lines change.
- Broken White Line: You can change lanes or overtake the car ahead, but always do so safely by checking your mirrors and oncoming traffic.
- Solid Yellow Line: Usually found next to a curb, it means no parking. In some places, it also indicates not to change lanes or overtake.
- Double Yellow Line: Changing lanes or overtaking is dangerous and not advised, regardless of which side of the road you’re on. In some places, waiting is allowed but parking is not next to a double yellow line.
- Solid and Broken Yellow Line: When one line is solid and the other is broken, drivers on the side with the broken line can overtake, while drivers on the side with the solid line cannot.
Knowing and understanding these road markings is essential for safe driving. They help guide traffic, prevent accidents, and ensure a smooth flow of vehicles on the road. So the next time you’re driving, pay attention to these markings to stay safe on the road.
