Road markings are disappearing rapidly - our lives are in danger

How is road safety determined? Lines aren’t mere formality; they are a matter of life!
In Uzbekistan, various reforms are being implemented to improve road infrastructure. However, in this process, a vitally important issue has been overlooked — the quality of road markings and signs. Have you noticed: road markings often fade and almost vanish within just one or two weeks. This isn’t merely an inconvenience; it’s a very serious threat to human life.

Markings and signs are not simply “pictures” or “official instructions.” They serve as the main guidance ensuring the accuracy of traffic flow and helping drivers and pedestrians organize movement correctly. At night, during rainy weather, or in fog, the clarity and visibility of these markings become a matter of «life or death.»

Why is the lifespan of road markings in Uzbekistan so short?
According to global standards, quality road markings should last at least 6 months and up to 2 years. Yet in our country, in some cases, they don’t even last one month. Why? The reason is simple: low-quality and cheap materials are used. And that leads not only to financial losses but also a serious threat to public safety.

Key requirements for quality markings:
1. Good visibility at night and in rain;
2. Resistance to temperature changes;
3. Durability (won’t wash away);
4. High light reflection capability;
5. Made from environmentally safe materials.

If these requirements aren’t met, the results are often visible: vanishing markings, rusting signs, and roads that pose danger.

What do specialized lab inspections show?
1. Light reflection: 420
2. Whiteness level: 265

According to national standards, these should be 562 and 300 respectively. Thus, although some markings meet the standards, most still fall short. It shows a conflict: consumers demand quality, but implementers choose cheap materials.

What should quality road markings be like?
Manufacturers say modern markings are produced with specialized technologies in three stages:
1. Selecting high-quality raw materials;
2. Preparing and packaging according to exact recipe;
3. Optimizing drying time based on temperature.

For example, paints by “Avtobelgi Road Marking” dry in 10–15 minutes in hot weather, and 20 minutes in cold. This quick drying allows marking to proceed without halting traffic.

Road signs aren’t sufficiently sturdy either
Not only markings, but road signs also rust too quickly. However, they must:
1. Keep their color and shape;
2. Have high reflective capability;

Meet global standards.
But in reality, most signs are made from cheap metals and low-grade paints, and already within 2–3 months, they get damaged by external factors.

Raw materials and technology — the main problem
Experts stress that in markings and signs, raw material quality is one of the key factors. If poor-quality or improperly mixed materials are used:
1. Markings wear off quickly;
2. Signs lose color;
3. Light-reflecting capability disappears;
4. Traffic safety becomes threatened.
Hence, in this field, quality is not a personal choice, but a requirement of state and public safety.

Conclusion: every line is a symbol of responsibility for life
Road markings and signs are not only city aesthetics but genuine protective tools for human life. They must be prepared not temporarily, but with long-term planning, through thorough design and technological supervision.

Every line is a guide giving drivers confidence and direction. Every sign warns drivers and pedestrians of danger. Thus, every decision and paint choice is a responsibility for a human life. Read 'Zamin' on Telegram!