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In the best of times, confusion over pavement markings can cause accidents.  Many of us were taught in drivers’ education that if there is a yellow line in the lane it means do not pass or even cross it. Now there may be a wide center area marked with turn arrows to allow traffic to get out of the flow and into the turn lane to make a left into areas such as offices and shopping centers. Often to do this one must cross a yellow line. Pavement markings for international visitors may be foreign, and markings may also be worn or barely visible.

Visit Florida estimated that 1.3 million international tourists visited Florida in the first quarter of 2022. This is an increase of nearly 169 percent over the first quarter of 2021. These visitors came from many diverse countries that may have similar, but different pavement markings.

Honda Research Institute initiated a pilot program in Ohio to help check for faded or missing highway lane markings. Honda’s system uses driver-assistance cameras and GPS systems to evaluate the condition of the roads on which they travel. The systems grade lane markings on a scale from Ideal (green), Good (yellow), Needs Repair (red), and No Lane Lines (gray). The data collected by the system will be analyzed and shared with the Ohio State Department of Transportation.

Our local Southwest Florida roads, such as Immokalee Road, are often congested. Immokalee Road is known for being one of the busiest roads in Collier County. NBC2 News reported June 9, 2022, that there were confusing pavement markings on Immokalee Road, just before reaching I-75. According to the report, before the new painting, the markings allowed drivers to decide which directions on the highway to use depending on whether they wanted to travel north or south on I-75.

Upon investigation, NBC2 found there were three different spots where a lane that should have been marked I-75 South was marked I-75 North. If drivers make last minute decisions and fly across the intersection to go north, there is a high probability there will be an accident. An independent contractor was found to be responsible for the error and has since rectified it.

AAA says that every state has its own traffic codes. Towns and cities sometimes refine those codes further. Therefore, it is important to know the rules of the particular road on which one is driving.

Here are some common rules and advice from AAA:

• White lane markings are the most common. Solid white lines define lanes of traffic going in the same direction, or they show you the location of the shoulder of the road. Broken or “dotted” white lines are used to show the center line between lanes.
• Yellow lines show you where traffic is going in different directions. Stay on your side of the yellow line and you will avoid dangerous head-on collisions with drivers coming the opposite way.

Collier County follows the same common rules reported by AAA: The county has two colors that are most frequently used for pavement markings – yellow and white. White lines separate traffic traveling in the same direction and mark the right edge of freeways and ramps. Collier County authorities say that if you ever see a yellow line on your right, you’re going the wrong way. Yellow lines generally separate traffic traveling in opposite directions and mark the left edge of divided highways and ramps.

The best way to learn about pavement markings is to read state driver manuals. Knowing what every pavement marking means before getting behind the wheel will lesson confusion while driving and decrease the possibility of accidents.

"If you or a loved one is injured because of the negligence of another driver who did not act responsibly in knowing pavement markings, or a road-marking company mis-labeled the pavement, you should contact Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. immediately after seeking medical assistance.  Proving liability in accidents caused by confusing pavement markings can be a challenge and needs the assistance of our experienced Florida accident legal team. We will need to prove a client’s personal injury claim including the cause and extent of injuries along with the long-term effects on injured victims and their families. You may contact us 24/7 at 239.337.7483, toll-free at 1.888.477.4839, or online at SpiveyLaw.com. There are no costs or attorney fees until we receive a monetary recovery for you,” says Fort Myers Accident Lawyer Randall Spivey.