Avtodor State Corporation plans to apply distinctive road markings on the M-12 Moscow-Kazan highway to help drivers maintain a safe following distance. This information comes from TASS, citing Vyacheslav Petushenko, the head of Avtodor. [Attribution: TASS]
The intention is to implement these markings along the entire route, with an emphasis on the high-speed sections. Petushenko notes that the approach has proven effective in other stretches, and the agency will extend the same practice to all segments where it operates. The new markings are designed to be visible and easy to interpret for motorists, with the goal of reducing close-quarters driving on a platform where high speeds prevail. [Attribution: TASS]
The markings consist of a sequence of arrows, or chevrons, painted on the roadway. The spacing between these elements communicates the recommended following distance for vehicles traveling in a traffic stream. On parts of the M-12 where the speed limit is set at 110 km/h, the distance between chevrons is 55 meters. In zones where the speed limit reaches 130 km/h, the spacing grows to 65 meters. These measurements are intended to give drivers a clear visual cue to keep a safe gap, helping to smooth traffic flow and reduce the risk of rear-end collisions. [Attribution: TASS]
The deployment follows earlier experiments with similar distance-marking systems on other major routes. For example, comparable chevron patterns have already appeared on sections of the M-4 Don highway, covering the Voronezh, Rostov, and Lipetsk regions, as well as on two segments of the M-11 Neva toll highway in the Tver and Leningrad regions. The rollout on these roads provided practical insights into driver response and maintenance needs, informing the plan for the M-12 corridor. [Attribution: TASS]
Historically, road markings that indicate safe following distances have been used to guide drivers through complex traffic environments. By translating abstract concepts of time headway into simple, repeatable visual cues, such systems aim to reduce abrupt braking, improve lane discipline, and enhance overall safety on high-speed routes. The latest initiative by Avtodor reflects a broader commitment to intelligent traffic management and proactive road safety measures, tailored to the realities of Russian motorways and the needs of everyday commuters. [Attribution: TASS]
Looking ahead, the plan envisions ongoing evaluation of the chevron markings, including how swiftly drivers adapt to the cues and how effectively the patterns perform under adverse weather and heavy traffic. If the results remain favorable, the approach could become a standard feature on other high-speed segments within Avtodor’s network, reinforcing a safety-first philosophy for long-distance travel across key corridors. [Attribution: TASS]
In related news, there was a note about the Moscow area where a car owner faced an incident tied to vehicle theft timing. The report mentioned a separate event where a car owner in Moscow dealt with a theft-related situation about a month after the incident. These anecdotes underscore the broader need for reliable guidance systems on highways to support driver awareness and security on the road. [Attribution: TASS]