If you happened to travel to France on the A7 near Vienne or on the A10 towards Bordeaux, you may have noticed a curious and unusual red line on the asphalt. No, it is not a signing error or an artistic installation: it is a New road safety measurement introduced experimental by our neighbors from the Alps.
After being successfully tested in Spain And Netherlandsthis signs has in fact made its debut on French highways, with a very clear goal: Avoid dangerous overtaking in areas with high risk of accidents. Unlike traditional continuous white lines, the red line has been designed for Hit attention immediately of drivers.
The color, strongly associated with danger and urgency, has one preventive function: notify who is driving that you are entering acritical areacharacterized by poor visibility, strong wind or one High accident chronology. In these particularly sensitive sections, the red on the asphalt acts as a powerful visual call to discourage risky maneuvers.
The penalties provided
It is important to know that exceed this red line It is not a trivial action at all. In France the gesture is equated to overcoming a continuous white line and can cost dearly: one fine of 135 euros and the Loss of 3 points on the license. In Spain, where the signs are already in use, the penalties are even more severe, with fines up to 200 euros And Suspension of the license For three months. In both countries, compliance with this new rule is also controlled by Automatic systems like radar and self-radar.
Currently the initiative is still in test phasebut the first results seem encouraging. If the experiment proves to be effective in reducing accidents, the red line is likely to is extended to other motorway sections and perhaps also to the national road network.
So if you travel abroad and notice a thick red line on the highway, slowand consider that trait as A high dangerous area. To avoid savory fines but above all for a safer guide, better to get used to this new visual code of road safety since now.
