subject: Understanding Traffic Road Signs [print this page] If you want to be a safe driver, you need to make sure that you know exactly what all of the signs along the road mean. If you do not understand what the signs are telling you, you could be a hazard both to yourself and to others.
There is a host of information available on the roadways, directing the flow of traffic and the interaction of the driving environment. The shape of a road sign can tell you as much about its message as its color.
Every driver needs to be extra careful when the weather is bad or when changing lanes, turning on a red light, passing, approaching intersections or merging into traffic. Always be alert to what is happening on the road.
They must meet both individual state and U.S. Department of Transportation specifications. They are made out of rust resistant heavy duty steel or aluminum with reflective sheeting for maximum visibility during the day and maximum reflectivity at night when light shines on them.
The average lifespan of a traffic sign is seven years. Yield signs are red and white with red letters.
These alert the driver to any upcoming hazards or road conditions that do not reflect an immediate condition. A yield sign calls on the driver to do the following: slow down, defer to oncoming or intersecting traffic, stop when necessary, proceed when safe, and remain aware of oncoming vehicles.
A flashing yellow light has the same meaning as a yield sign. When a flashing yellow light is observed, the driver should be cautious both prior to and while passing through the intersection.
The stop signal is red with white letters. It calls on the driver to make a mandatory stop and proceed when safe.
At a stop, the purpose of the limit line is to prevent the driver from entering the crosswalk or intersection inadvertently or at an excessive speed and shows the driver where to make the stop before proceeding through. Rolling stops are not acceptable.
The driver of a vehicle must come to a complete halt before proceeding through the intersection. A flashing red light has the same meaning as a stop sign.
The two-way signal is to direct traffic flowing from two different directions with the exception of signals with turning arrows which should be in accordance with one another. Signal light controlled intersections are typically the highest volume and the most dangerous.
A driver should never attempt to cross an intersection by "assuming" opposing traffic will yield the right of way. Even if the traffic light indicates green for you that does not automatically indicate that is safe to proceed through the intersection.
You should always look both ways before entering and crossing any intersection. Another driver coming in the opposite direction may have decided to run their red light.
Or perhaps an emergency vehicle may be approaching and you have not heard their sirens. So much emphasis has been placed on the "quiet rides" of vehicles that certain sounds are sometimes difficult to hear when all your windows are rolled up tight.
How many times have you actually seen an emergency vehicle approaching before you have heard its siren? Remember that even if you have a green light, the law still requires you to yield to traffic already in the intersection.
Circular arrows will resemble the red, yellow, and green traffic lights just discussed. The circular red arrow prohibits travel in the direction the arrow is pointing.
Drivers must stop at the stop line (or roadway designation) until the green arrow appears. Turning on a red arrow is strictly prohibited.
The circular yellow arrow serves as a warning that the previous green arrow is about to turn to a red arrow. The driver should slow down and prepare to stop at the stop line if safely appropriate.
The driver should never increase speed to try to "beat" the upcoming red arrow. The circular green arrow indicates the right of way to proceed through the turn.
At this point, crossing pedestrians and oncoming vehicles are stopped by a red light. Before proceeding, however, the driver must continue to yield to vehicles and pedestrians still in the intersection.
With this knowledge, you can think each time you see one of these markers coming, and react appropriately. Take the time to learn about them-they could end up saving your life, and others.
