Picture this! You’re driving at night. Rain’s coming down. Headlights from oncoming cars dazzle your eyes. The road ahead becomes a blur. And suddenly, you can’t see the lane lines.

That’s not just frustrating, it’s dangerous.

Here’s why it happens:

  • Rainwater covers the lines, changing how light reflects off them. The retroreflective beads in road paint are designed to bounce light back to the driver’s eyes. But when they’re submerged under water, their effect weakens dramatically.
  • Standard road markings are built for dry weather. Most use beads with a refractive index around 1.5, great when dry, but far less effective when wet.
  • Water spreads the light. Instead of reflecting sharply back to the driver, headlights scatter, making lines seem to vanish.

The Safety Risks of Poor Visibility

When line markings become hard to see, accidents follow. The stats don’t lie:

  • 49% of fatal crashes happen at night, even though there’s less traffic.
  • 70% of weather-related crashes happen on wet pavement.
  • Your risk of a fatal crash jumps 10 times higher when driving at night in rain.

It’s no wonder that clearer road markings are now seen as a frontline defense in road safety.

What Does Rain Do to the Markings Themselves?

Rain doesn’t just affect how markings are seen—it can also physically damage them.

Here’s how:

  • Poor adhesion: If paint or thermoplastic is applied during or just before rain, moisture can stop it from bonding properly to the road. That shortens its lifespan.
  • Deterioration: Over time, water seeps into cracks and wears away markings.
  • Washing away: In extreme storms, newly painted or low-quality lines can be partially or completely erased.

Dolphin’s Wet Weather Solutions

We know the risks. That’s why we take wet weather seriously.

1. Timing is Everything

We always check forecasts before we paint. We avoid applying road markings when rain is expected. This ensures the best bond to the surface and a longer-lasting result.

2. Wet Reflective Markings

For roads that need to shine in any weather, we use wet reflective line markings. These advanced materials include:

  • Higher refractive index beads (RI 2.4): These beads work brilliantly even when wet. They reflect more light, meaning drivers see clearer lines—even in the rain.
  • Structured markings: Some wet-weather lines include raised or profiled surfaces. These help drain water instantly and keep the reflective optics exposed.

These markings have been shown to reduce run-off-road crashes by up to 46% in wet weather.

3. Durable Paints and Thermoplastics

We don’t skimp on quality. Our thermoplastics and road paints are chosen for durability, visibility, and slip resistance. They hold up under traffic, water, and wear.

4. Anti-Skid Additives

Safety is more than visibility. It’s traction too. That’s why we offer anti-skid line marking options, especially for pedestrian crossings, intersections, and curves.

What Can Drivers Do?

Pavement markings alone can’t keep you safe. You’ve got to do your part behind the wheel. Here are six quick tips:

  • Slow down. Reduce your speed by at least one-third when roads are wet.
  • Increase following distance. Give yourself more time to react.
  • Avoid sudden moves. Take turns gently and brake smoothly.
  • Check your tyres. Good tread provides good grip.
  • Turn your lights on. Be seen and see better.
  • Listen to traffic updates. Know what’s ahead.

When road users and road markers work together, we can all get home safely.

Building Roads for the Future

It’s not just human drivers who rely on clear markings. Modern vehicles with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), like Lane Keep Assist, use cameras to detect lane lines. When visibility drops, these systems struggle. That’s another reason Dolphin is committed to using high-performance, wet-visible markings that help both people and machines navigate safely.

Choose a Partner Who Cares

At Dolphin Line Marking, we do more than lay paint on roads. We build safety in every project. Whether it’s a busy highway, a carpark, or a local intersection—we work smarter, use better products, and deliver lasting results.

We’re proud to help councils, construction teams, and businesses make their roads safer. Especially when rain threatens to undo all the good work.

Need help with line marking that stands up to Australia’s wild weather? Talk to Dolphin Line Marking today. We’ll keep your markings sharp, visible, and built to last, rain, hail, or shine.

Contact Dolphin Line Marking
📞 Fast quotes | ✅ Quick turnarounds | 🌧️ Wet-weather ready
Let’s mark the way to safer roads together.

Peter Siegmund

admin@thedolphingroup.com.au