How are California’s orange highway stripes affecting speed, merging, and lane choices?

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Why California’s orange stripes make drivers slow down

You’re cruising down the freeway when something looks different. The lane lines ahead aren’t just white or yellow anymore. In parts of Southern California, you may see bright orange and white stripes running side by side.

These stripes are part of a pilot effort focused on safety in construction zones. Instead of relying only on signs and cones, the pavement itself sends the message. The goal is simple: get drivers to slow down, pay attention, and move carefully through work areas.

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Why California’s orange highway stripes stand out

The stripes work because they snap drivers out of autopilot. Orange signals caution, so seeing it in the lane lines makes many people slow down and scan for changes.

It starts with how quickly they grab your attention. Orange already signals caution, so seeing it on the road instantly feels different…

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