Red Road Lines: New Highway Safety in Europe
LYON – May 9, 2024 – Drivers in Europe should take note: New red road lines are being implemented to enhance safety on highways. France and Spain are the frist to test innovative road markings to increase driver awareness. Violators of these markings could face fines and penalties, but authorities seek crash reduction. The implementation of the red lines is hoped to bring down crash rates.
Red Road Lines: A New Approach to Highway Safety in Europe
European roadways are getting a new look, and drivers heading through France and Spain should take note. Select stretches of highway now feature a bold red line down the middle, a visual cue intended to boost safety. While not officially part of the road code, ignoring this new marking could lead to fines.
France’s Pilot Project
A 2.5-mile segment of france’s A7 highway,between Lyon and Marseille,recently received this crimson treatment. This is part of a pilot project by Autoroutes du Sud de la France (ASF), which manages highways in France.The goal is to enhance road safety on stretches of road that have seen multiple accidents.
A similar red line has also been implemented on the A10 highway toward Bordeaux.
Did you know? Road markings have evolved considerably over the decades. The first center line was painted in 1911 on a rural road in Michigan, USA, to reduce head-on collisions.
The Psychology of Color
According to ASF, the vibrant red color is designed to evoke a feeling of danger.
The hope is that this will make drivers more alert and encourage them to reduce their speed. The red line serves as a visual reinforcement of a solid white line, indicating that passing is prohibited.
While the red line isn’t explicitly mentioned in the French road code, drivers who are caught passing illegally can face a fine of 135 euros, which can increase to 750 euros. They may also incur three penalty points on their driver’s license.
Pro Tip: Always check local traffic laws before driving in a new country. Regulations can vary significantly, and ignorance is not an excuse.
Spain’s Precedent
France isn’t the first to experiment with this approach. In 2021, Spain introduced a similar red line on the A355 in Andalusia, prompted by a rise in accidents.Violators in Spain risk a 200-euro fine and a potential three-month driving suspension.
Reader Question: What other innovative road safety measures have you seen implemented in different countries?
