Primitive Path Indicators
Early road markings were natural, such as stones or trees. Navigational aids were scarce, and travelers relied on local knowledge or cairns - piles of stones - to mark important junctions and paths.
First Painted Lines
The first recorded painted road lines appeared in 1911 in Michigan, USA. They were used to separate traffic lanes, increasing safety and providing a visual guide for drivers on the road.
Introduction of Reflectors
Reflective road markers, known as 'cat's eyes', were invented by Percy Shaw in 1934. Embedded in the road surface, they reflect headlights in darkness and fog, significantly improving night-time navigation.
Thermoplastic Revolution
The 1950s saw the rise of thermoplastic road markings. Durable and with increased visibility, these lines could withstand high traffic and adverse weather conditions, marking a significant improvement over paint.
Zebra Crossings Emerge
Zebra crossings, with their distinctive white stripes, were introduced in the UK in the late 1940s. They became an essential feature for pedestrian safety, commanding drivers to stop.
Colored Pavement Innovation
By the 1970s, colored road markings came into use. They helped to delineate different zones: red for bus lanes, green for bike lanes, and various colors to alert drivers to changes in road conditions.
Smart Road Markings Future
Future road markings are expected to communicate with autonomous vehicles. They may contain sensors or be made of smart materials to adapt to traffic flow, weather conditions, and improve safety dynamically.
What marked paths before painted lines?
Local guides and maps
Cairns and natural markers
Wooden signposts everywhere
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