AU2021105380A4

AU2021105380A4 - Road safety system

Info

Publication number: AU2021105380A4
Application number: AU2021105380A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Anthony Hughes
Original assignee: Road Safety Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Road Safety Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2021-08-12
Filing date: 2021-08-12
Publication date: 2021-10-14
Anticipated expiration: 2029-08-12

Abstract

A road safety system comprising a plurality of coloured graphics which act as visible markers that are spacedly arranged at intervals along a road surface so as to be visible to a 5 driver of a car. Each of the coloured graphics of the road safety system are associated with a condition for travel along the road surface. -1/5 -I Z)) 2 E 10 E~b z S -W m _ dz 0C0 0V 0 O

Description

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V O ROAD SAFETY SYSTEM

Technical Field

10001] This disclosure relates generally to road safety, and in particular to a system for improving communication of road conditions to a road user.

Background

10002] Speed management is considered a critical component of road safety. Appropriate speed zones are set in order to enable drivers travelling at a speed limit to safely respond to potential risks that may be encountered in the road environment. 10003] Whilst enforcement of speed laws may be effective in changing the behaviour of road users, in order to best maximise its effect on reducing crashes and road trauma the enforcement requires the support of other measures such as credible and appropriate speed zones and public education that enhances knowledge of the dangers of speeding and strengthens community attitudes and support for speed enforcement. 10004] There may be a need for an improved system of indicating a speed limit or other vital road safety conditions to a road user.

Summary of the Disclosure

10005] In a first aspect, embodiments are disclosed of a road safety system. The system comprises a plurality of coloured graphics which act as visible markers that are spacedly arranged at intervals along a road surface so as to be visible to a driver of a car. Each of the coloured graphics are associated with a condition for travel along the road surface. 10006] In some embodiments, the coloured graphics may be located on the road surface, or adjacent thereto. In some embodiments the coloured graphics may be located on a sign, roadside barrier, or wall adjacent to, or overhanging, the road surface. 10007] In some embodiments, the condition for travel along the road surface may be an upper limit for a speed of travel. The upper limit for a speed of travel may be specific to a section of road.

10008] In some embodiments, an interval of the spacing between two of the plurality of coloured graphics may correspond to the condition for travel along the road surface that is associated with a first of the two coloured graphics that is passed by a driver when travelling in the direction of travel along the road surface.

10009] In some embodiments, each of the plurality of coloured graphics may comprise one or more colours arranged in a pattern. In some embodiments, the pattern may be a single stripe. In some embodiments, the pattern may be multiple stripes of one or more colour. In some embodiments, the coloured graphics may include one or more of a graphic, integers, symbols and/or letters.

10010] In some embodiments, the one or more colours of the coloured graphics may be distinct from a colour of proximal primary road markings. For example, a primary road marking may include lines that indicate a lane of the road.

10011] Other aspects, features, and advantages will become apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which are a part of this disclosure and which illustrate, by way of example, principles of inventions disclosed.

Description of the Figures

10012] The accompanying drawings facilitate an understanding of the various embodiments.

10013] Figure 1 is a table showing a first embodiment of a plurality of coloured graphics being individually associated with a condition for travel along the road surface.

10014] Figure 2 is a plan view of a first embodiment of a section of road having the same speed limit on both sides of a road for opposing directions of travel.

10015] Figure 3 is a plan view of a second embodiment of a section of road having different speed limits in opposing directions of travel on either side of the road.

10016] Figure 4 is a plan view of a third embodiment of a section of road having different speed limits in opposing directions of travel on either side of the road.

10017] Figure 5 is a plan view of a fourth embodiment of a section of road having different speed limits in opposing directions of travel on either side of the road.

Detailed Description

10018] Referring to the drawings, there is illustrated an embodiment of a road safety system 100 that utilises one or more visible markers to convey a speed limit or other vital road safety conditions to a road user. Where like reference numerals are used in the following description, the features are considered to be the same unless specified as being otherwise.

10019] The disclosed road safety system 100 utilises a plurality of coloured graphics 10 that are able to be spacedly arranged at intervals along a road surface 80 so as to be visible to a driver of a car when moving in the direction of travel. The coloured graphics 10 can be formed using any number of colours, with each colour, or combination of colours being individually associated with a specific condition for travel along the road surface. For example, the condition for travel along the road surface can be used to indicate to a driver the upper limit for a speed in the direction of travel along the given section of road having the marking system. As would be appreciated by one skilled in the art, the coloured graphics can be associated with other road conditions. For example, coloured graphics could be used to indicate to road users that a lane of the road is reserved preferentially for specific road users. As would be appreciated by one skilled in the art, the colour, combinations, patterns and location of placement of the coloured graphics 10 used can be tailored for a specific locality so as to be differentiable from the conventional road markings. 10020] In some forms, each single one of the plurality of coloured graphics 10 can be formed using a different single colour. In some forms, a each of the plurality of coloured graphics 10 can be formed from a combination of two or more colours. In some forms, each of the plurality of coloured graphics 10 can be formed to comprise one or more colours that are arranged in a readily discernible pattern that is associated with a specific condition for travel along the road surface. For example, a pattern may consist of one stripe of a plurality of colours, or multiple stripes of one or more widths in a sequence. In some variations, the pattern can further comprise letters, integers, or symbols. In some forms, it may be preferred to form the coloured graphics 10 using colours that are not commonly used for primary road markings, or that are distinct from the colour/s of proximal primary road markings. For example, it may be preferred to use a variety of non-white colours such that the coloured graphics 10 are visibly distinct and differentiable from the colours used to mark the lanes of the road surface.

10021] In some forms, the interval of the spacing between two of the plurality of coloured graphics 10 can be a fixed distance. For example, in one form a coloured graphic 10 can be spaced every in lieu of a repeater sign and spaced at intervals of 300 metres. In some forms, the intervals can be evenly spaced between traditional road signs. In a variation, the interval of the spacing between two of the plurality of coloured graphics 10 can have varied distances. For example, the interval of the spacing between two of the plurality of coloured graphics 10 can correspond to the condition for travel along the road surface that is associated with the coloured graphic that is passed first when a driver is travelling in the direction of travel along the road surface. For example, as seen in the table presented in Figure 1, each coloured graphic 10 could be spaced at intervals along a road by a distance that corresponds to approximately 30 seconds of travel along the road at a specific speed of travel. Thus, when the upper limit for speed is set to be 40 km/hr along the road, the coloured graphics 10 can be spaced to substantially locate 333 metres apart from one another along said section of road, such that a driver would pass a coloured graphic 10 approximately every 30 seconds. Similarly, when the upper limit for speed is set at 100 km/hr along a section of road, the coloured graphics 10""" can be spaced to substantially locate 833 metres apart from one another for the extent of said section, such that a driver would pass a coloured graphic 10""" approximately every 30 seconds. As would be appreciated by one skilled in the art, the interval of the spacing can be adjusted to correspond to any distance or speed of travel, or to correspond to any duration of time lapse between coloured graphics. 10022] In some forms, the coloured graphics 10 can be integrated on the surface of the road. In a variation, the coloured graphics 10 can be presented to a driver on one or more signs that are installed alongside the road in the direction of travel. In a variation, the coloured graphics 10 can be presented on one or more road safety barriers or guardrails along the side of the road in the direction of travel. In a variation, the coloured graphics 10 can be presented as coloured lighting fixtures within a tunnel.

10023] The coloured graphics 10 can take the form of lines that, in use, extend longitudinally on the road surface in the direction of travel. As would be appreciated by one skilled in the art, the line or lines of the coloured graphics 10 can be linear, or alternatively can be formed to curve with the road so as to extend substantially parallel to primary road markings. Primary road markings may include lane lines, centre lines of a two way road, or any other marking that is used to indicate the safe path of travel on the road surface. In a variation, the coloured graphics 10 can be arranged in a pattern, or have specific shape that, in combination with the colour, is associated with a condition for travel along the road. In a further variation, the position of the coloured graphic 10 on the road, in combination with the colour, shape and/or pattern can be associated with the condition for travel along the road. 10024] Referring now to Figure 2, the coloured graphics 10 can be visibly displayed on each side of two-way road, with a coloured graphic 10 provided at intervals along each side of the road in opposing directions of travel. For example, when the upper limit for speed is 60 km/hr along a given section of road, the coloured graphics 10" can be spaced to substantially locate 500 metres apart from one another along said section, with a coloured graphics 10" provided on either side of a central primary road marking. The coloured graphics 10" can be spaced away from the central primary road marking and aligned with one another, or provided offset from one-another based on the distance travelled from the start of the section of road having the relevant condition for travel. For example, the coloured graphics 10" can be a line having a length of 200 millimetres and a width of 125 millimetres that is painted on the road surface so as to run substantially parallel with the white centre road marking line/s, and inset away from the centre road marking line/s a distance of approximately 100 millimetres. 10025] Referring now to Figures 3 to 5, the condition for travel can be specific to the direction of travel, and can vary across lanes of the road surface, with coloured graphics 10 varying accordingly. 10026] For example, referring to Figure 3, when the upper limit for speed is 60 km/hr along a given section of road in a first direction of travel, a first coloured graphic 10" (e.g. orange colour) can be used along the road in the first direction that is associated with an upper limit for speed of 60 km/hr. Along the other side of the road, in an opposing second direction of travel a second coloured graphic 10"" (e.g. navy blue colour) can be used along the road that is associated with an upper limit for speed of 80 km/hr. The spacing between the coloured graphics 10" in the first direction of travel can be 500 metres, whilst the spacing between the coloured graphics 10""in the second direction of travel can be approximately 667 metres. Each of the coloured graphics 10",10""can be inset from the central primary road marking, respectively. 10027] In a further example, referring to Figure 4, when the upper limit for speed is 80 km/hr along a given section of road in a first direction of travel, a first coloured graphic "" (e.g. navy blue colour) can be used along the road in the first direction that is associated with an upper limit for speed of 80 km/hr. Along the other side of the road, in an opposing second direction of travel a second coloured graphic 10""" (e.g. red colour) can be used along the road that is associated with an upper limit for speed of 100 km/hr. The spacing between the coloured graphics 10""in the first direction of travel can be approximately 667 metres apart, whilst the spacing between the coloured graphics 10"""in the second direction of travel can be approximately 833 metres apart. Again, each of the coloured graphics 10"",10""" can be inset from the central primary road marking, respectively. 10028] In yet a further example, referring to Figure 5, the upper limit for speed is the same in each of the first and second directions of travel as described above in reference to Figure 4. The road section illustrated comprises a low speed zone therein, for example a school zone or hospital zone having an upper speed limit of 40 km/hr. Thus, whilst the primary condition for travel outside of school times remains that indicated by the coloured graphics "",10""", the start of a secondary condition for travel is indicated by a pattern of two lines of a coloured graphic 10 immediately following the each of the primary coloured graphics 10"",10""". The coloured graphic 10 of the secondary condition for travel can be spaced from the primary coloured graphics 10"",10""", for example, by a metre gap. The subsequent repeater primary coloured graphic 10"",10""" are each followed by a single coloured graphic 10 of the secondary condition for travel. The secondary condition for travel continues to follow each subsequent repeater primary coloured graphic 10"",10""" for the extent of the section of road having the secondary condition for travel. 10029] As would be appreciate by one skilled in the art, the coloured graphics 10 can be formed from coloured paint, stickers, signs, bollards etc. In forms where the coloured graphics 10 are formed on the road surface, the coloured graphics 10 may be used in combination with one or more raised marker, e.g. a cat's eye, which provides a form of haptic feedback to a road user when contacted to increase attention. The raised marker/s may precede the coloured graphics 10 so as to alert the road user to the upcoming presence of the coloured graphics 10.

10030] In some forms, the coloured graphic 10 can be formed to have improved visibility in low light. For example, a luminescent paint or retroreflective and/or raised marker.

10031] In addition to education of the road laws, it may be preferred that vehicles have a colour coded legend with the colour / speed designations affixed in an appropriate prominent position on the dashboard to assist drivers. This may be particularly advantageous for learner drivers.

10032] The presently disclosed road safety system 100 may provide a cost efficient means of reminding road users of the relevant conditions for travel along the road surface, such as the upper speed limit. This may allow for more regular repeater signs and markings, which may improve compliance and therefore road safety.

10033] Variations and modifications may be made to the parts previously described without departing from the spirit or ambit of the disclosure. 10034] In the foregoing description of preferred embodiments, specific terminology has been resorted to for the sake of clarity. However, the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific terms so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific term includes all technical equivalents which operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar technical purpose. Terms such as "front" and "rear", "inner" and "outer", "above", "below", "upper" and "lower" and the like are used as words of convenience to provide reference points and are not to be construed as limiting terms. 10035] The reference in this specification to any prior publication (or information derived from it), or to any matter which is known, is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgement or admission or any form of suggestion that prior publication (or information derived from it) or known matter forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavour to which this specification relates. 10036] In this specification, the word "comprising" is to be understood in its "open" sense, that is, in the sense of "including", and thus not limited to its "closed" sense, that is the sense of "consisting only of'. A corresponding meaning is to be attributed to the corresponding words "comprise", "comprised" and "comprises" where they appear. 10037] In addition, the foregoing describes only some embodiments of the invention(s), and alterations, modifications, additions and/or changes can be made thereto without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosed embodiments, the embodiments being illustrative and not restrictive. 10038] Furthermore, invention(s) have been described in connection with what are presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments, but on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the invention(s). Also, the various embodiments described above may be implemented in conjunction with other embodiments, e.g., aspects of one embodiment may be combined with aspects of another embodiment to realize yet other embodiments. Further, each independent feature or component of any given assembly may constitute an additional embodiment.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A road safety system, the system comprising a plurality of coloured graphics spacedly arranged along a road surface, wherein each of the coloured graphics are associated with a condition for travel along the road surface.

2. The road safety system of claim 1, wherein the condition for travel along the road surface is an upper limit for a speed of travel.

3. The road safety system of any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein an interval of the spacing between two of the plurality of coloured graphics corresponds to the condition for travel along the road surface that is associated with a first of the two coloured graphics.

4. The road safety system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein each of the plurality of coloured graphics comprise one or more colours arranged in a pattern.

5. The road safety system of claim 4, wherein the one or more colours of the coloured graphics are distinct from a colour of proximal primary road markings.

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