Highway Safety in the Dark: Boise Drivers Speak Out

A Rainy Night Turns into Guesswork for Drivers

I saw this thread on Reddit and thought it was the most relatable thing that I have seen in a long time. I don't know about you, but a group of us feel like staying in your lane when it rains at night can feel like a guessing game.

The Problem: Invisible Lane Lines and Water Hazards

A lot of drivers have found themselves relying on subtle texture changes on the road rather than being able to see visible markers. The original poster talked about driving on I-84 during a storm and witnessing an incident involving a car hydroplaning and spinning across lanes. Water pooled on the road becomes nearly invisible, blending with the dark asphalt.

Is it just me, or are the highway lines in Boise/Meridian impossible to see at night when it’s raining?
byu/space_dust_walking inBoise

Why This Issue Extends Beyond Highway I-84

This isn't an issue just on the highway, it is a widespread problem. The lack of reflective lane paint and highway lighting creates an opportunity for accidents during bad weather. One person on the thread said. "You should turn this into PowerPoint format and give a lecture at an ACHD meeting someday."

Solutions That Could Make Boise Roads Safer

Reflective lane paint and highway lighting were obviously the two most mentioned remedies. There's reflective lane paint, but it seems so faded that it's difficult to see at night. Yes, the reflective paint and cat-eye markers tend to get scrapped off during winter plowing, but other cities don't seem to have that issue. Highway lighting doesn't fade like paint and can help drivers see those water hazards.

Who's ready to speak up?! Hopefully, the original poster will take the advice, turn this Reddit thread into a PowerPoint, and present it in front of those who need to see it.