TAC Pavement Markings

Overview

Client
Transportation Association of Canada
Year
2021-2023

Non-standard, decorative pavement markings have become increasingly popular and diverse with road authorities across Canada receiving a growing number and variety of requests from groups desiring to use non-standard colours and graphic designs on roads. There has been limited guidance on their use and application, as well as concerns about safety impacts related to crosswalk conspicuity, driver recognition and reaction, and driver and pedestrian distraction. MORR conducted a comprehensive study on the impact of non-standard pavement markings at crosswalks on road users (i.e., drivers, pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists, and automated vehicles) pertaining to visibility, comprehension, distraction, and slip and skid resistance.  As part of this study, experimental field tests were performed wherein users were exposed to a variety of crosswalks scenarios in a simulated driving environment and their responses (response times and answers to questions) measured.