What are pavement markings primarily used for in highway design?

Pavement markings play a crucial role in highway design by guiding traffic and ensuring safety. They provide critical information to drivers regarding lane usage, stopping points at intersections, and the presence of hazards. For instance, lane lines direct vehicles to stay within their respective lanes, while stop lines and crosswalks indicate where vehicles must yield to pedestrians.

By conveying these essential messages visually, pavement markings help manage the flow of traffic, reduce the likelihood of accidents, and contribute to overall roadway safety. This system of markings assists both drivers and pedestrians in understanding the rules of the road, which is fundamental for effective transportation system functioning.

While aesthetic elements, property boundaries, and construction zone indications are important in their own contexts, they do not capture the primary function of pavement markings in the realm of highway design and safety management.