Have you ever considered how important paved road surface markings really are? Surface markings on paved roads have a long and ever evolving history to improve safer roads and to control or notify traffic. Andersen Asphalt & Striping would like to share the history of road surface marks and how they are used today to ensure safety on the road.
History of Road Surface Markings
Paved roads use road surface markings to convey directions and guidance to both drivers and pedestrians. The road surface markings must be uniform to avoid confusion that can lead to accidents. As automobiles become more abundant on the highways, it becomes more and more necessary. Over time, road surface markings became standardized. Walking through the evolutionary steps of road surface markings we learn that some of the first documented uses of painted lines on the roads was in 1911. The very first road marking that is still used today is the center line that is used to divide the two sides of the road. The center line was first used on the Trenton’s River Road in Wayne County, Michigan. Michigan’s chairmen Edward N. Hines first came up with the idea of the road division. He saw a milk wagon driving down the middle of the road that was leaking milk. The milk created a perfect white line down the road. Allowing a safer means for vehicles to use the same road going into two different directions, was the first use of road surface markings. Using painted center lines on rural state highways became mandatory in Michigan, Oregon and California. However, there were some variations of the center line. Some center lines where painted yellow which made it easier to see during the darkness of night.
Yellow & White Lines on the Road
During 1954 there was a major debate on which color the road markings should be painted. By this time most of the United States were using center lines along with a few other road surface markings. It was during this particular year that 47 states voted on the designated color of the center line, which was voted to be white. However, in 1971 through 1975 the paint color was changed back to yellow and over the course of four years, the roads underwent repainting. Yellow is a color that is designated to be a warning sign. However, white was used for road surface marks for same direction traffic. White surface markings were used to separate lanes, bike lanes, pedestrian crossings and more. There are hundreds of road surface markings that are used in parking lots, roads and highways. Each marking has its own meaning which helps to direct traffic and keep the roads, bicyclists, motorcyclists, and pedestrians safer. Without road surface markings, the driving can be more chaotic and confusing. The makings and color of the marking help notify drivers all across the United States where cars should be and how to navigate the streets.
Asphalt Pavement Installation, Repair, Maintenance Services & More in Reno, Elko, Henderson, North LV, Paradise, Spring Valley, Sunrise Manor, Las Vegas, NV | State of Nevada
Road and other asphalt cover areas such as parking lots, school play grounds, or public parks. They all require maintenance, resurfacing and more. When needing help repairing or painting asphalt, contact Andersen Asphalt & Striping today.
