RIP Bott's Dots - CA discontinuing them

[GGD]

Botts’ Dots – the raised, rumbly markers between lanes on California’s highways and freeways – are on their way out, with Caltrans saying it will no longer maintain or install them.

Named after Elbert Dysart Botts, the Caltrans engineer credited with the 1950s research that led to their creation, the dots spread across the nation as a way to stripe lanes.

The dots later become known for a different benefit: The powerful feedback when driving over them that could snap awake sleepy motorists.

Much more in the article.

http://www.ocregister.com/2017/05/19/bot...-highways/

[NewtonMP2100]

....Dot........??

...so no more Dorothy...???

[OWC Jamie]

We have snow plow proof markers here and rumble grooves cut into the asphalt at the edge of the road or breakdown lane shortly after new asphalt is put down.

I don't know what they are using for paint for the white stripe lane markers lately but the asphalt under them crumbles within a year becoming a pothole.

[Acer]

I have to laugh at "We use reflective paint!". In the rain, only the freshest, highest-quality paint reflects well in my experience. Most places here use cheaper stuff that they repaint maybe once a year or less. About 6 months out of the year the stuff is significantly faded. Coming up on a strange, multi-lane intersection with only cheap or faded paint in the dark in the rain is like driving blind.

[rob banzai]

I remember that in preparation for the '84 Olympics the DOT had to scrape loads of those dots from the freeways that were going to be used for cycling events. Replaced them all afterward.

I like the dots for the aforementioned reasons. I LOVE reflective paint and cats-eyes... when they're maintained.

[Buzz]

Phew... wrong Bott... I was scared for a sec...



==

[Zoidberg]

Acer wrote:
I have to laugh at "We use reflective paint!". In the rain, only the freshest, highest-quality paint reflects well in my experience. Most places here use cheaper stuff that they repaint maybe once a year or less. About 6 months out of the year the stuff is significantly faded. Coming up on a strange, multi-lane intersection with only cheap or faded paint in the dark in the rain is like driving blind.

Ditto this comment.

Remember, safety is not their concern; costs are their concern.

[M A V I C]

Seattle seems to have stopped using them. Now it's impossible to see the lanes when it rains.

[polychrome]

The dots are worth it for safety reasons.

[Yoyodyne ArtWorks]

They're a bastard in wet weather if you're on a motorcycle.