Considering that a huge portion of the population drives on roads every day, road safety is incredibly important. These days, roads are fairly safe if drivers are mindful of the rules and one another, but improvements can always be made. Here are some good methods to improve road safety.

Law Enforcement

The laws of the road are designed to keep drivers safe, so it is very important that everyone follows them. Unfortunately, many drivers disregard and break these rules, usually by speeding, driving while intoxicated, or breaking another traffic law. This is where most accidents come from, and regular enforcement of these laws will help the number of road accidents decrease.

Increase Visibility

Even when drivers are following all traffic laws, accidents can still happen. One common cause of accidents on the road is decreased visibility, which can cause two drivers to crash into one another or cause a driver to accidentally hit a cyclist, pedestrian, or object on the road. To aid visibility, drivers should make sure to turn on their headlights in low-visibility situations, such as when they are driving at night or in bad weather. Pedestrians, cyclists, and other individuals who are using the road should wear bright and reflective clothing so they can remain visible to drivers. Any signs or markings on the road should also be visible and in good repair.

Improve Safety Elements in Road Design

Another method to improve road safety is to put additional safety features into road designs. Making sure these elements are present in road design can improve safety by effectively directing traffic, controlling traffic speed, or keeping drivers safely on the road. Below are a few important safety features to consider.

Signage and Road Markings

Proper signage and road markings serve to direct drivers and make the expectations of the road clear to everyone. Essential signage and markings include stop signs, warning signs, speed limit signs, lane markings, and more.

Rumble Strips and Guardrails

Rumble strips and guardrails are two safety features that go hand in hand. Rumble strips should be placed along the side of lanes to notify an inattentive or sleepy driver that they have begun to drift out of the lane. Guardrails keep vehicles from falling into dangerous areas when they drive off the road. Since guardrails are outdoors and must be able to withstand heavy impact, it’s important to consider the best material to use for a road’s guardrail system.

Speed Bumps

Speed bumps are usually used in areas where the speed limit is under ten miles per hour, or pedestrian traffic is heavy. Speed bumps force drivers to slow down and protect pedestrians on the road.

Roads are integral to our society and, as such, they should be safe for everyone to use. Implementing any of these road safety tips will make the experience of driving, biking, or walking along a road less stressful. Whether you are a city official, road designer, or citizen, you have the power to increase the safety of your town’s roads today.