This paper presents research which investigates whether profiled edge markings can reduce the number of accidents related to those occasions when vehicles go off course and leave the carriageway. The first part of this study determined the scope and nature of accidents where the vehicle leaves the carriageway. It was shown that the proportion of accidents where the vehicle leaves the carriageway with respect to motorway road sections is about 32% of the total number of accidents. On national secondary roads, this figure is 26.5%. On national roads with restricted access, the proportion of accidents where the vehicle leaves the carriageway is slightly over 12%. In addition, an increased risk was noted with respect to leaving the carriageway during wet road conditions and particularly when there was no lighting. The second part of the study calculated that the application of profiled markings would have a relatively high cost effectiveness. The third part of the study offers a selection of road sections for a subsequent evaluation study into the effect of profiled markings on accidents.
Abstract