It has been amply demonstrated that the paint on the road has a direct influence on the way we drive. In addition to the well-known signs, painting figures on the road helps vehicles to drive more slowly and, therefore, increases safety both inside and outside the city.
In the United States, studies have shown that painting the road at an intersection helps our brain give the order to ease off the accelerator. In Spain, some cities have opted for a similar methodology in what is called “tactical urbanism”, also analysing the impact of these actions in other areas. For example, in Madrid, graffiti has been used on the ground to remind citizens that they are walking along a street with schools, urging them to take extreme precautions.
Road painting with circles in Austria: A success story
One of the pioneering countries in this type of measure is Austria, where small circles were implemented on the sharpest curves of secondary roads. The intention was to reduce the mortality of motorcyclists.
These circles, painted next to the lane dividing line, increase in size as we approach the apex of the curve. The results were immediate: motorcyclists reduced speed and took turns on the outside. In this way, they were taking what is known as a defensive line, which maximizes visibility of what is happening ahead and minimizes the chances of taking an incorrect line.
This type of route is taught in safe driving courses, and is the one we must always follow when driving on the road. However, the tendency is to follow sporty routes, which are much more dangerous and usually end in accidents or leaving the road.
Expansion of the Strategy to Other Countries
The strategy is not unique to Austria. In Luxembourg, for example, similar criteria were applied with straight lines following the same principle. These interventions have shown positive results since 2016, reducing motorcyclist violations on the most dangerous bends.
In Spain, the Catalan Traffic Service has implemented a similar project in the Foix Reservoir, using two lines at the apex of the sharpest curves to “separate” motorcyclists from the centre of the lane. Despite being less conspicuous than in other countries, these signs have proven effective in improving road safety.
The Growth of Road Signs and Their Impact on Safety
The world of traffic signs is growing rapidly. The new signs painted on the pavement are part of the horizontal signs and are designed to solve growing problems, such as motorcyclist accidents, which have increased alarmingly in Spain. In 2023, of the 1,145 road deaths in Spain, 299 were motorcyclists, almost 20% more than the previous year.
From Austria comes a sign that has been in use since 2019 with exceptional results. These signs, especially useful on tight left-hand curves, have reduced motorcycle accidents by 80%. The key is that motorcyclists must avoid crossing these circles with their tires, staying away from the oncoming lane and on a safer path.
Implementation in Spain and Other Countries
In Spain, the DGT has begun to use perpendicular lines to mark the route, following the example of Austria. These circles have been painted with non-slip reflective paint, and countries such as Germany, Scotland, Switzerland, Luxembourg, Australia and Italy are studying their implementation in the test phase.
