Beliefs and behaviours relevant to the road safety effects of profile lane-marking

Audio-tactile lane-marking (ATLM) is designed to alert inattentive drivers when they deviate from their lane, and appears to reduce crashes. Research into cognitive-behavioural mechanisms underlying, or possibly undermining, the efficacy of ATLM, is limited. We surveyed 775 randomly selected drivers (42% female, up to 75+ years) regarding the profile line-marking (PLM) employed in Australia (and in some European countries). Respondents perceived advantages of PLM in terms of lane-keeping and visibility. Respondents reported avoiding edge-line PLM, so that it may result in driving too close to untreated centre-line. Findings generally allayed concerns, on the basis of risk homeostasis theory, that PLM may increase risky driving. Perceived efficacy of PLM was not associated with increased drink-driving or speeding, but was associated with increased driving while fatigued. Findings suggest that the efficacy of PLM may be increased by employing PLM on both edge- and centre-lines, by exaggerating the audio-tactile effects of PLM that cause drivers to avoid it, and by discouraging the belief that it is safe to drive while fatigued when PLM is present.