Featured Image Credit: Tarmac Linemarking/ Facebook
Topics: Australia, Cars, Technology
Callum Jones
A glow-in-the-dark feature that was introduced on a stretch of road in Australia from a small local business has been branded as 'genius'.
Anyone who's driven in the dark knows how unnerving it can be, and it's no secret that lack of visibility is one of the biggest causes of road traffic accidents.
Well, Tarmac Linemarking, in collaboration with OmniGrip and Vic Roads, decided to try and combat this by doing a 'trial run' of photoluminescent lines back in May along Metong Road in the state of Victoria’s south east.
And as you could imagine, it was a roaring success.
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The Victoria Gippsland company used the natural science of photoluminescence, which is similar to the process used in glow-in-the-dark kids toys.
Drivers have praised the innovative roads for being 'life-saving' in a post that has been shared more than 100,000 times on Facebook.
One commenter said: "OMG I hope this is going to be Australia wide, that looks awesome!!"
Meanwhile, a second added: "What an awesome idea! We need these on every road."
So, how exactly does the science work?
Well, the 'smarter path' line markings as they are known emit light for drivers in a relatively simple way.
The coating of the lines absorbs and stores light throughout the day.
Then when night comes, the coating is able to project the light it has stored so that the road can be seen more clearly for motorists.
Tarmac Linemarking have been active on social media since the unique idea came to fruition by providing updates on their progress.
As the trial run rolled out for the bright lines in early May, the company said on Facebook: "WOW! The last couple of months Tarmac has been chosen to work along side OmniGrip and Vic Roads to roll out a trial run of the all new Photoluminescent (Glow in the dark ) linemarking!"
"This will be an outstanding product for pedestrians & bike lanes, roads, boat ramps and many more applications!"
The program is one of 70 trials being introduced in the state of Victoria, with the local government spending $4 million on new ideas.
Victoria's government has also considered expanding the bright lines to pavements by introducing LED-lit walkways near intersections.
In a statement, Regional Roads Australia said: "This treatment will make it easier for drivers to see the linemarkings or signage and provide stronger definition coming up to intersections and curves, giving drivers more time to react and preventing them from veering from their lane.
"This will be particularly beneficial for people who are not familiar with driving through the area."