For motorists’ safety, expand trials of lighted road markings

I was relieved and elated to read “LTA tests lighted crossings to improve pedestrian safety” (May 10). Some countries have had lighted or glowing line markings on the road for some years now to guide drivers safely.

Singapore has been playing catch-up in many aspects of road management practices to improve road safety.

For example, it took us years, after continuous public feedback, to place plastic poles on our roads. The idea was initially rejected for one reason or another, even though a number of Australian cities had been using them.

But the wait was not in vain, as I see more poles striped in yellow and black on our roads. Now, I hope that the Land Transport Authority will take another step forward.

Although the light-emitting diode (LED) strips on the pavements, for the safety of mobile phone users, is a trial, I hope that the LTA will visit cities that use other lighted markings embedded in road surfaces.

It may not be cheap to install more LED lights at many of our traffic junctions, but more important than the cost is our attitude. Let us learn from and follow others.

I hope that lighted lines on our roads, such as at selected busy or accident-prone places, will not take long to see the light of day in Singapore, for the safety of motorists.