No-overtaking lines have become widely accepted and important traffic control devices in many countries. Their primary function is to prohibit overtaking manoeuvres where crossing into an opposing traffic lane is almost always above an acceptable risk threshold. Over the years, research into warrants for no-overtaking lines has produced alternative criteria for line marking and questioned the basis for warrants that were developed some decades ago. The purpose of this report is to discuss the findings of a study into warrants for no-overtaking lines. This study incorporates a literature review, covering warrants that are currently in use in the UK, USA, Australia and New Zealand, an investigation into current practice in New Zealand, involving a questionnaire and field survey, and an analysis of national overtaking crashes. A methodology for assessing the economics of revising the New Zealand warrants is described. Conclusions and recommendations are presented. (A)
Abstract