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Show Traffic lanes can be confusing By GARY R. BLODGETT Traffic lanes can sometimes be confusing. "But there are reasons for different diffe-rent pavement markings even the color and width of the markings," mark-ings," according to Joseph C. McBride, traffic engineer for the Utah Department of Transportation. Transporta-tion. For example, yellow lines designate desig-nate the separation of traffic flows in opposing directions, or mark the left edge of pavement of divided highways and one-way roads. White lanes delineate the separation separa-tion of traffic flows in the same direction, or mark the right edge of the pavement. Red markings indicate indi-cate that the roadways shall not be entered or used by motorists who view these markings. Broken lines designate to motorists motor-ists that these lines can be crossed with caution. Single solid lines limit the passing of motorists from both directions. Double lines should never be crossed! The width of pavement markings also indicate the degree of emphasis emph-asis of traffic control. Markings four inches wide are designed for minimum emphasis while 8-inch a ami miiiimbm wide markings often used in canyons ca-nyons and "trouble spots" along interstate highways indicate maximum restrictions and "no passing" lanes. Markings which must be visible at night are often highlighted with reflectorized glass unless ambient illumination assures adequate visibility. visi-bility. Finally, raised pavement markers mar-kers may serve as position guides, may supplement, or in some cases may be substituted for other types of markings. "Where most motorists have difficulty dif-ficulty following the proper traffic lanes are the collection lanes for left turns," said Mr. McBride. He explained that the confusion often arises because there are two sets of double lines one from each direction plus a broken marker leading into the collector lane. "It's not so bad at an intersection," intersec-tion," he noted, "but left turn collector col-lector lanes at mid-block are confusing con-fusing because it often puts two vehicles head-to-head in preparation prepara-tion for the turn." The double markers on the left of each motorist are to control the flow of traffic and must not be crossed. cros-sed. Also, the broken line leading to the left turn lane is a minimum of 100 feet, which will allow up to five regular-sized vehicles to safely gather in the turn lane. "Motorists should not enter the collector lane until there is a break in the pavement market for this purpose," Mr. McBride emphasized. empha-sized. "Some accidents occur because be-cause a motorist coming from the rear speeds up to enter the turn lane ahead of a motorist up ahead wanting to enter the lane at the proper time." He said the mid-block turn lanes where they appear at the same place for both directions of traffic are somewhat dangerous, "but it's the best solution we have come up with." He emphasized that patience and a lot of courtesy is the key to reducing accidents on the highway. |
