A study “An Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Wider Edge Line Pavement Markings” – conducted by Texas A&M University’s Transportation Institute (TTI) found that wider paint lines on roadway shoulders (edge lines) reduce crashes and fatalities. The study analyzed Federal Highway Administration data from Kansas, Michigan and Illinois. The evidence all supported the adoption of wider edge lines.
Study Findings
• Wider edge lines have been shown to reduce total crashes 15 to 30 percent
• Wider edge lines have been shown to reduce fatal plus injury crashes 15 to 38 percent
• The benefit-cost ratio for wider edge lines is $33 to $55 for each $1 spent
This provides highway officials with a very cost-effective, statistically sound way to improve safety without expensive and inconvenient construction.
“With the ultimate goal being highway safety, transportation agencies across the U.S. now have strong data to support the undertaking of a relatively low-cost measure to improve highway safety and reduce fatalities,” said Kevin Goforth, president of the American Glass Bead Manufacturers’ Association, who sponsored the study.
Many states have already made the switch to wider edge lines, opting for six inches instead of four inches. But until this study, those changes were made without sound empirical findings to support the decision.
If you have any further questions about this study, contact an experienced asphalt company today – a company like PTG Enterprises. The asphalt experts here have managed hundreds of pavement projects and have the experience you need. So contact PTG Enterprises aka My Pavement Guy today by calling 410-636-8777 or click here today!
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