THE IMPROVEMENT UNDER WET CONDITIONS OF THE NIGHT-TIME VISIBILITY OF CARRIAGEWAY MARKINGS

Carriageway lines and markings do not fulfil their purpose at night during wet weather because the retro-reflection is almost completely hindered by the film of water. In order to overcome this shortcoming and to achieve better night-time visibility during rainy conditions various proposals have been tested. In this case a road marking line is described which does not have a smooth upper surface but is embossed like a car tyre along the direction of travel. Rainwater can run off between the raised areas. The pattern allows light from cars headlamps to be reflected from the glass beads in the carriageway marking for the benefit of the driver. The impressions of the profile pattern in the marking material can be carried out mechanically. (TRRL)