UGR researchers analyze the impact of photoluminescent lines on driver behavior in curves. The study indicates that they reduce the risk of lane departures.
Two scientific teams from the University of Granada (UGR) have conducted exploratory research on the potential of photoluminescent smart road markings as a tool to improve road safety, especially during night driving and along curved sections.
Photoluminescent markings have the ability to emit light in the dark without requiring an external electrical source, as they store light energy during the day and release it progressively at night.
The research is the result of a multidisciplinary collaboration between the Transport and Safety group (TRYSE) from the Department of Civil Engineering and the Neuroergonomics and Operator Performance Laboratory of the Mind, Brain and Behavior Research Center (the CIMCYC), both at the University of Granada.
Unlike conventional signage, which relies on the reflection of vehicle headlights, these lines allow drivers to better anticipate the trajectory of the road under low-visibility conditions, making them an emerging technology within the field of smart roads.
To evaluate their impact in a controlled manner, the research team designed an experiment inside an advanced driving simulator at the UGR. The participating drivers traveled through different night scenarios replicating rural roads with curves, comparing three types of road markings: conventional signage, green smart markings and red smart markings. Different line widths were also analyzed to study their potential influence on driving.
The results indicate that, in the presence of smart markings, drivers maintain a greater distance from the edge of the road, a behavior associated with a lower probability of lane departure. This pattern is observed with both green and red markings, suggesting a positive effect from the improved visibility of the road layout, although the authors emphasize the preliminary nature of the findings.
"Furthermore, no increase in speed was detected in any case, which suggests that this technology improves the perception of the road layout without inducing risky behavior," explains Francesco Angioi, first author of the study.
Regarding the width of the road markings, the researchers conclude that it is not necessary to increase the size of the signage when using photoluminescent technology, as the benefits are maintained with conventional dimensions, facilitating implementation and reducing costs.
Recently, the team met to define the next steps of the project and showcased the laboratory facilities and capabilities to their international collaborators from the Polytechnic University of Turin (Italy) and NORD University (Norway).
The work highlights the importance of collaboration between disciplines to address complex challenges such as road safety. The combination of transport engineering and neuroergonomics helps to understand not only infrastructure design but also how people perceive and react to it.
Photoluminescent markings are emerging as an effective solution that can be applied to dangerous curves, poorly lit rural sections and areas with reduced visibility. The scientists point out that future research in real-world environments, with traffic and different weather conditions, will be necessary to validate and expand upon the results.
"Nevertheless, the study opens up a promising avenue for the development of innovative solutions aimed at safer mobility," concludes Rocío de Oña, a researcher from the Department of Civil Engineering.
The study, published in the international journal Accident Analysis & Prevention, is part of the SARAH project (Smart Road for Assisted Human Driving; PID2022-141935OB-I00), funded by the Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities, the State Research Agency and European Union ERDF funds.
Reference
Angioi, F., de Oña, J., Díaz-Piedra, C., de Oña, R., & Di Stasi, L. L. (2025). Effectiveness of smart horizontal markings on drivers’ behavior along horizontal curves: A driving simulation study. Accident Analysis & Prevention, 219, 108086. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aap.2025.108086 .
Contact at the CIMCYC
Leandro Luigi Di Stasi - distasi@ugr.es