by
Autonet Insurance
| Nov 12, 2010
Poor road markings are making the UK's most dangerous roads even more deadly, according to a report.
Worn out or non-existent white lines on roads already deemed hazardous mean an even higher risk of accidents that lead to car insurance claims.
A study by the Road Safety Markings Association (RSMA) found that centre line markings on eight out of 10 highways identified by the Road Safety Foundation (RSF) as the country's most dangerous are badly worn.
On one of these 10 roads, a five-mile stretch of the A6135 north of Sheffield, nearly three-quarters of markings have either completely gone or are in a very poor state.
The RSMA said 50% of the lines on these most-dangerous roads do not meet the minimum standards required.
Of the previously-worst roads deemed by the RSF to have improved the most, seven had undergone targeted road marking treatments resulting in a 74% reduction in fatal and serious crashes, the group said.
George Lee, national director of the Road Safety Markings Association, said: "The Government is supportive of measures that can deliver substantial rates of return on spending where lives can be saved. Road Minister Mike Penning has given us his assured commitment to road safety."
© Press Association 2010