What does the fishbone line on the highway mean?
2 Answers
Highway fishbone lines are meant to remind drivers to slow down in advance. Generally, there are speed limit signs near fishbone lines, and vehicles should reduce speed and proceed with caution when approaching them. Fishbone lines often appear at highway ramp entrances or near highway tunnels, with the primary purpose of alerting drivers that these marked sections are frequent accident-prone areas, requiring immediate speed reduction. Additionally, drivers should distinguish between solid and dashed lines in fishbone line sections. If both sides are solid lines, it means lane changes are not allowed, while dashed lines permit lane changes.
When I drive long distances on the highway, I often see those fishbone markings—those rows of uneven white lines painted on the road that look like fish bones. Driving over them makes the car vibrate a bit and the wheels hum. These are mainly designed to remind us not to doze off or drive too fast, especially on bridges or sharp curves where accidents are more likely. They serve as a warning to slow down, or else lane departure could be dangerous. From what I’ve learned from experienced drivers, these markings are particularly effective in high-risk sections of highways, helping reduce fatigue-related accidents and avoiding tickets. Whenever I encounter them, it’s best to stay focused and not speed over them—the vibration isn’t just for show; it’s a signal to stay alert. After years of driving, I’ve come to see fishbone markings as lifesavers.
