Driving on the road at night is dangerous. When the lines on the road are difficult to see, it is easy for a driver to lose focus and drive off the road. Can you imagine roads that glow in the dark? They are testing such an idea in Australia. Aussie company Tarmac Linemarking, in collaboration with OmniGrip and Vic Roads, undertook a “trial run” of new glow-in-the-dark road line markings in May and now its work has gone viral. The test was conducted on a one kilometer section of the Metong Road in Victoria’s southeast.
The goal is to increase security
The principle of photoluminescence is used in many areas, we can also see it on children’s stickers or watches. A special coating is applied to road lines and markings that absorb light during the day and glow at night. When the road is lit up at night, it is much easier to see and therefore safer for drivers and pedestrians.
Tarmac Linemarking’s John Emanuelli, told News.com.au that since the trial photos went viral he has been inundated with businesses and councils looking to have their paths illuminated with his technology.
“There’s been a lot of interest since the trial run, it’s a great product,” he said.
The trial run is one of the Victorian government’s 70 projects being undertaken under a new $4 million program. The aim is to ensure greater security in the region. LED lighting for sidewalks and intersections is also being considered to improve the reach of reflective signage.
“This treatment will make it easier for drivers to see the line-markings or signage and provide stronger definition coming up to intersections and curves, giving drivers more time to react and preventing them from veering from their lane,” Regional Roads Victoria said in a statement.
“This will be particularly beneficial for people who are not familiar with driving through the area.”
The idea is welcomed with great enthusiasm
When the picture with the new light road marking appeared on social networks, it received a lot of positive feedback. In many places the lines on the road are outdated and difficult to see. This idea could significantly improve safety and save many lives. Many people ask themselves why this technology has not been used for a long time? This technology has been around for a long time, but is only now being applied to roads. It is also an inspiration for other countries that can make roads safer for traffic in this way.
Source: https://www.news.com.au/technology/motoring/on-the-road/victorian-road-work-goes-viral/news-story/55ec71de973c79add8d6ae1ff06a3809
Image credit: Tarmac Linemarking
