- published: 03 Jan 2011
- views: 1079
Botts' dots are round non-reflective raised pavement markers. In many U.S. states and in other countries Botts' dots are used, along with reflective raised pavement markers, to mark lanes on highways and arterial roads. They provide tactile feedback to drivers when moving across designated travel lanes, and are analogous to rumble strips.
Botts' dots are named after Dr. Elbert Dysart Botts, a California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) engineer credited with overseeing the research that led to the development of the markers. Botts' dots are often called turtles in Washington and Oregon.
Botts' dots are most commonly white but may be yellow when used to substitute for the yellow lines that divide opposing directions of traffic in North America. The dots are made of various ceramic materials or plastics like polyester.
On some roads, lanes are marked only with a mix of Botts' dots and conventional reflective markers, eliminating the need to repaint lane divider lines. Botts' dots are rarely used in regions with substantial snowfall, because snow plows damage or dislodge them.