Poor Road Markings Forcing Drivers to Avoid Routes, RSMA Survey Finds

New research suggests that inadequate road markings are having a growing impact on driver behaviour, with many motorists actively avoiding certain routes due to safety concerns.

A survey conducted by the Road Safety Markings Association (RSMA) found that one in five drivers plan their journeys to avoid poorly marked roads at least once a week. Among drivers under 35, this rises to a third, while two-thirds of younger motorists reported avoiding such roads within the past six months.

The findings highlight a particular impact on rural areas. Nearly half of respondents said they had avoided rural roads in recent months بسبب visibility concerns, while 36% admitted they had chosen not to visit rural businesses for the same reason. Among younger drivers, that figure climbs to 59%.

The study, based on responses from 2,000 UK drivers, also explored the role of road markings—particularly edge lines—in improving safety. A strong majority (73%) said they feel more secure on roads with clearly marked edges, and 67% indicated they would be more willing to drive on rural roads at night if such markings were present.

Visibility issues are especially pronounced after dark. More than 20% of drivers reported avoiding certain roads at night on a weekly basis, rising to over 40% among those aged 18 to 24.

Interestingly, drivers rated edge lines as more influential on safety than other measures, including lower speed limits and traffic calming features like speed humps.

RSMA chief executive Rob Shearing said the findings show that simple improvements could make a significant difference. He argued that maintaining clear road markings—particularly in rural areas—should be a priority, noting that they are a relatively low-cost solution compared to other safety interventions.

He warned that failing to address the issue could continue to affect not only road safety but also local economies, as reduced accessibility discourages travel to rural businesses.