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# New ‘Dragon’s Teeth’ Road Markings in SA: What Drivers Need to Know
- URL: https://www.carexplore.com.au/new-dragons-teeth-road-markings-in-sa-what-drivers-need-to-know/
- Published: 2025-01-31T04:34:42.000Z
- Updated: 2025-01-31T04:34:42.000Z
- Description: SA introduces ‘dragon’s teeth’ road markings to improve safety and slow drivers in school zones. Learn what they mean and how they work.
- Author: Dylan Anderson
- Tags: Car News

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.

![New ‘Dragon’s Teeth’ Road Markings in SA](https://www.carexplore.com.au/content/images/2025/01/Dragon-Teeth-Road-Marking-in-SA.webp)

New ‘Dragon’s Teeth’ Road Markings in SA - Source: TfNSW

## Why Are They Being Introduced in SA?

The [**SA Department of Infrastructure and Transport** ](https://www.dit.sa.gov.au/?ref=carexplore.com.au)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**](https://www.carexplore.com.au/tag/nsw/) **and Victoria**, where they have been used to improve visibility of school zones and high-risk areas.

![New ‘Dragon’s Teeth’ Road Markings in SA](https://www.carexplore.com.au/content/images/2025/01/Dragon-Teeth-Road-Marking-in-SA-2.webp)

New ‘Dragon’s Teeth’ Road Markings in SA - Source: TfNSW

## 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.

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