In a rural area of Texas, there is a highway connecting two tiny towns that even drivers who have lived in the area their entire lives are reluctant to travel, especially at night. It is a narrow, winding, two-lane road devoid of a centerline and edge markings, nor are there signs warning of upcoming curves, deer crossings, intersections or dips. There are, however, a few signs noting that the speed limit is 60 mph. Unfortunately, some drivers who are just passing through will actually try to maintain that speed — until they come around a curve to find another car directly in front of them, hit a dip in the pavement or see a family of deer crossing the road just yards ahead.
The lack of signs and markings on the highway may have influenced the decisions made by the manager of the grocery store located along the highway in one of the small towns. The store’s parking lot is little more than an unbroken expanse of asphalt pavement. There are no stripes to define parking spaces, so drivers park at every imaginable angle. There are no traffic arrows, so traffic moves chaotically without considering where traffic lanes should be. The driveway connects seamlessly to the highway, but since there are no signs or markings, drivers frequently find themselves encroaching on the highway when trying to exit the parking lot. Without crosswalks, customers have to be extremely carefully when walking between their cars and the store.
Traffic Signs & Pavement Marking – Consequences -Why It Matters
The two scenarios discussed above highlight the importance of adequate traffic signs and pavement markings. Whether the pavement is a parking lot, a rural highway or a major urban thoroughfare, if drivers do not have markings and signs to guide them, they can become distracted or confused. Instead of an orderly flow, traffic becomes chaotic and risks are increased. If you own or manage a store, apartment complex or business, you could be held liable for injuries and damages that result from the lack of adequate markings and signage. Even government agencies responsible for public roadways are not entirely immune; lawsuits have been settled in favor of plaintiffs in several incidents.
Missing signs and pavement markings can cost you in other ways as well. Customers and tenants may be put off by the lack of safety features in your parking lot. If your lot does not comply with the regulations for accessible parking, you could be fined or sued. If municipalities do not ensure that streets have adequate traffic signs and pavement markings, tourists and out-of-town shoppers may begin to take their business elsewhere, and commercial enterprises looking for a new location may be reluctant to choose your town.
Parking lot striping, traffic signs and pavement markings are all important for the safety of drivers and pedestrians. If you need parking lot signs, speed bumps, parking lot striping or pavement markings, contact the experts at Alpha Paving. We offer a full line of asphalt and concrete services, including asphalt repairs, asphalt paving, asphalt overlay, sealcoating, concrete installation, asphalt overlays and concrete repairs as well as the professional installation of signs and pavement markings. Our satisfied customers include numerous counties and municipalities, HOAs and subdivisions, apartment complexes, shopping centers, restaurants, educational facilities, office parks, hotels, health care facilities, airports, religious institutions and retailers. We are known for quality workmanship and competitive prices. If you have more questions about Traffic Signs & Pavement Marking – Consequences, or would like to receive a free quote, you can request one by calling 512-677-9001 or submitting the online form.
