New road markings trialled across the west of Scotland have improved the riding behaviour of motorcyclists taking left hand bends, according to Transport Scotland.
The markings, Perceptual Rider Information for Maximising Expertise and Enjoyment (PRIMEs), are designed to help riders make better decisions when approaching bends.
Grounded in the latest academic theory on human factors and applied psychology, PRIMEs comprise new and innovative ‘gateway’ road markings and signage. They are intended to provide a tool for motorcyclists, ‘priming’ them to adapt their riding as they approach a bend.
Fiona Hyslop MSP, Scotland’s minister for transport, described the results as ‘astounding’ and ‘a real triumph for road safety’.
Twenty-two trial sites were created on roads covering 750 square miles across the West of Scotland. Research was undertaken over three years in what is believed to be the most in-depth investigation of motorcycle rider behaviour anywhere in the world.
Video footage of more than 32,000 motorcycles using the markings was manually assessed. After PRIME road markings were installed, there was a significant reduction in speed and significant improvement in road position and braking behaviour.
Additionally, since the start of the trials there have been no motorcycle injury collisions at any of the previously identified accident cluster sites where PRIME markings have been deployed.
This ‘transformative approach’ was enabled by the Road Safety Trust, who provided research funding of more than £215,000 for Transport Scotland to test the approach.
Professor Alex Stedmon, an expert in rider behaviour and psychology, led the research and ensured academic rigour throughout.
The road maintenance company BEAR Scotland, offered engineering solutions to deliver the test sites, markings and signage.
The project has added to the evidence base of the academic theory underpinning road markings, and offers a blueprint with potentially global implications.
The next step will be the production of a guidance pack for roads authorities in Scotland on how they can implement PRIMEs in their area.
‘Triumph for road safety’
Fiona Hyslop MSP, Scottish Government minister for transport, said: “The evidence on the impact of Project PRIME is astounding. This is a real triumph for road safety, demonstrating what happens when latest academic theory is supported by real world application – all made possible thanks to Scottish engineering and a strong partnership approach.
“Motorcyclists are consistently over represented in road casualty statistics despite comprising a relatively low proportion of road users – and the issues around left-hand bends for riders are well known.
“The Road Safety Trust share our vision for road safety – and I’m grateful for their support and funding to help test the innovative approaches.
“Scotland is working with partners to have the best road safety performance in the world by 2030 and an ambitious long-term goal where no one is seriously injured or killed on our roads by 2050.
“Project PRIME has responded through innovative engineering – and has proven that this is an approach that could be used globally under similar road conditions.”
‘First of its kind’ research
Professor Alex Stedmon added: “Project PRIME is the first time this kind of research has been done to look at dedicated road markings for motorcyclists.
“It’s been a great opportunity to use applied psychology principles in the real world to support behaviour change for a specific group of vulnerable road users, which underpins the Safe System approach to road safety and supports Scotland’s Road Safety Framework to 2030.
“Throughout Project PRIME we have taken a user-centred approach to develop a safety solution that riders will accept and use. It’s very much for motorcyclists and by motorcyclists!”
‘Innovative approach’ to casualty reduction
Sonya Hurt, chief executive of The Road Safety Trust, said: “The PRIME project represents a new and innovative approach to motorcycle casualty reduction.
“With data from tens of thousands of motorcyclists, the results show that PRIMEs have a significant positive effect on rider behaviour.
“The PRIME project aligns with the Safe System approach, which represents an ambitious safety performance level and current best practice safety culture in road safety. PRIME addresses three of the five Safe System foundations – safe speeds, safe road use, and safe roads and roadsides.
“It is very pleasing to know that a road safety innovation piloted in Scotland, with funding provided by The Road Safety Trust, could play an important role in helping to keep riders safe – and reducing collisions and casualties – across the globe.”
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