I’m convinced that the horrific state of road markings in Quebec must play a significant role in the death rate on our highways. Overall the highways I travel are in a much better state structurally and surface wise, with notable exceptions being: the Metropolitan, the entire Turcot interchange and most of the bridges to the south shore.
But a recent trip to New Hampshire that involved driving back to Quebec through a fierce rain storm at night served to highlight the massive difference in road markings and how they play a role in driving safely.
The above image is just an example of what I was presented with as the driver that night in New Hampshire and Vermont. The actual view was even better, with pole markers on either side lighting the way. As a rally driver, we use extremely bright lights to see further at night thereby making it easier to steer into upcoming corners with greater confidence. The same approach should be available to drivers on our road networks in Quebec.
As it stands currently, when driving home last night in a very slight snow fall over roads I travel daily, I was completely at a loss for visual feedback on the highway. No pole markers, no visible line markings and no cat-eyes to help me on this unlit section of highway. It was terrible. It can be so much better.
The fact that the province ‘needs’ to repaint our road and highway lines every year says something even larger about the situation. Another possible corruption investigation in the works? Oh and thanks for re-painting in the fall, leaving us with little or no help throughout the summer…
Tags: Accidents · Deaths · Markings · Quebec · Reflectors · Road · Safety
