Abstract
Five controlled tests of edge of carriageway markings on rural roads, have been carried out by individual county councils in Britain. The counties in question were those of East Sussex, South Yorkshire, Cornwall, Northamptonshire and Hertfordshire. Total net accident reductions in the studies ranged from 13%, to 30%. Wight time accident reductions were from 37% to 42% in individual counties, and single vehicle loss of control accidents also showed a particularly dramatic decrease. Taken together the studies offer convincing proof that on unlit rural roads one of the most cost effective means of reducing accidents is by the application of reflectorised edge of carriageway markings.