New research shows that drivers are going out of their way to avoid rural roads because of poor or even missing road markings. Those are the findings of a survey of 2,000 UK motorists carried out by the Road Safety Markings Association (RSMA).

This is leading to visibility concerns that cause one in five drivers (20%) to steer clear of certain roads at night at least once a week. This figure shoots up to 41% if you’re between 18 and 24 years old.

Inadequate road markings also have a serious impact on drivers’ confidence, with 20% avoiding roads without clear markings at least once a week. Again, the younger you are, the higher this figure climbs, with 33% of drivers under 35 years old giving such roads a wide berth.

Knock-on effects

You may think that taking another route is okay, but for rural communities and businesses that can often struggle due to their remoteness, it’s bad news.

For instance, 36% of drivers avoided visiting a rural business due to poor visibility over the past six months, with the figure rising to a shocking 59% of motorists under the age of 35.

What’s safe?

To help overcome their concerns, drivers are asking for simple additions to rural roads. For instance, 73% agree that edge lines boost their confidence, with 67% saying they’d be more willing to head out on rural roads at night if the lines were present. Here’s how the advantages of edge lines break down:

  • 80% say it helps with positioning
  • 80% with seeing bends
  • 62% with avoiding potholes

Motorists also say that edge lines have a bigger impact on improving their confidence than reduced speed limits (51%) or speed humps (40%).

RSMA’s message

It’s simple – it’s advocating for cost-effective edge lines to be added to our country roads to keep drivers safer when driving at night and increase their confidence, all while protecting rural communities and businesses.

For learners specifically, the important measure – combined with the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency’s increased focus on rural road use in the driving test – will build competence and risk management skills, too.

Know Your Code

 

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Main image by Google Gemini