If you’ve recently driven on certain French roads, you may have noticed a large red stripe framed by two white lines. What does this new marking mean? Much more than a simple curiosity, it’s a device designed to improve road safety by encouraging drivers to be extra vigilant.
Why a red line on the road?
Every year, road accidents in France continue to wreak havoc, with 3,400 deaths recorded in 2023. Although these figures are decreasing, excessive speed remains one of the main causes.
Inspired by similar measures abroad, the red line aims to encourage drivers to slow down in the most dangerous areas, such as tight bends or sensitive urban sections.
An idea from Spain
This marking was first tested in Spain, notably on the A-355 motorway near Malaga. A bright red stripe was drawn down the center of the road, surrounded by solid white lines, along a 4-kilometer stretch.
What makes it special? In addition to signaling a strict no-overtaking rule, the red color creates an optical illusion. It gives the impression that the road is narrowing, instinctively encouraging drivers to slow down, with significant safety benefits.
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