Drivers in South Australia are noticing fresh ‘dragon’s teeth’ road markings appearing across Adelaide. These markings are part of a road safety initiative aimed at reducing speed in critical areas, particularly near school zones and pedestrian-heavy areas.
What Are Dragon’s Teeth Markings?
Dragon’s teeth markings consist of painted triangles arranged in pairs on each side of the road lane. These visual cues create a narrowing effect, which encourages drivers to slow down when entering a low-speed zone, such as a 40 km/h school zone. The markings serve as an additional warning alongside traditional speed limit signs.
Why Are They Being Introduced in SA?
The SA Department of Infrastructure and Transport introduced these markings in collaboration with The University of Adelaide’s Centre for Automotive Safety Research. The goal is to assess the effectiveness of visual cues in getting drivers to slow down, particularly in high-risk pedestrian areas.
According to officials, these markings are designed to grab motorists' attention and reinforce the importance of reducing speed in critical zones.
"By creating a visual cue, the markings are designed to encourage drivers to slow down, promoting safety in busy pedestrian areas," the Department stated.
How Do They Work?
Research suggests that 3D-style markings like dragon’s teeth are more effective than traditional road signs alone, as they create a perception of road narrowing, making drivers more likely to adjust their speed accordingly.
Similar markings have been implemented successfully in NSW and Victoria, where they have been used to improve visibility of school zones and high-risk areas.
Road Safety and Speed Reduction
SA’s push for improved road safety follows concerning statistics from 2024, which saw the highest road toll in Australia since 2012. According to the Bureau of Infrastructure and Transport Research Economics (BITRE):
- 1,300 road fatalities occurred in 2024, up from 1,258 in 2023.
- The road toll increased 18.5% since 2021, despite national safety initiatives.
With pedestrian-heavy areas being among the most dangerous zones, implementing visual safety measures like dragon’s teeth could be a step toward reducing serious accidents.
Will These Markings Become Permanent?
At this stage, the dragon’s teeth markings are part of a study, with their effectiveness being closely monitored. If results show a measurable improvement in driver behavior, they could be rolled out permanently across SA and possibly adopted in other states.
What Should SA Drivers Expect?
Motorists in SA should remain aware of these new markings, particularly in areas with school zones and reduced speed limits. While they do not change any road rules, they serve as a strong reminder to slow down and stay alert to vulnerable road users.
As authorities continue to explore new ways to improve road safety, drivers should be prepared for more innovative visual cues appearing on Australian roads in the near future.
Dylan Anderson
