Traffic signs play a crucial role in giving direction, information and control over driver’s behavior to make the roads as safe as possible for everyone. This makes knowledge of traffic signs essential. This rule is not only intended for new drivers or those that needs to pass theory test in getting driver’s license, but for all road users, including experienced professional drivers.
Road sign standardization was set since language differs in every country so an international road signs was developed and adopted. In fact, during the Vienna Convention on Road signs and signals of Nov 8 1968, 8 main categories were defined:
- Danger warning signs
- Priority signs
- C. Prohibitory or restrictive signs
- D. Mandatory signs
- E. Special regulation signs
- F. Information, facilities, or service signs
- G. Direction, position, or indication signs
- H. Additional panels
These categories may use the same shape but it is mandated that each sign should be differed in colors. It is also sub-categorized or coded to indicate the level of the impact of the signs. For example, warning signs usually uses flashing yellow lights to call for more attention. An exclamation on a sign means general dangers and an additional panel should explain the exact danger, but some countries, especially here in the US, they just put words on the signs.
Also, here in the US and other countries in North America, follows these categories:
- Regulatory signs – this signs are intended to instruct road users on what they must do or not do under set of circumstances. Speed limit is an example
- Warning signs – to warn of the danger or hazard of the road ahead.
- Guide signs
- Emergency management signs
- Temporary traffic control signs – this are the signs that are temporarily used. Like “men at work” “construction is going on” signs.
- School signs – signs with regards to the safety of the students like “children crossing” “school ahead”
- Railroad and light rail signs
- Bicycle signs
There are lots of road signs being used in the US roads alone. It would be impossible for me to post each signs here. But I’m going to post sample road signs anyways. Hee hee
Got this some pictures from DIGITALSTUDIO7.
A. Lane Closed Sign
B. Pedestrian Crossing Sign
C. Side Road Ahead Sign
D. Pedestrian Crossing Sign
E. Intersection Ahead Sign
F. Two Way Traffic Sign
G. Divided Road Ahead Sign
H. Railroad Crossing Sign
I. No Left Turn Sign
J. No Trucks Sign
K. Steep Grade Sign
L. No U Turn Sign
M. Curvey Road Sign
N. Cross Walk Sign
O. Slippery When Wet Sign
P. Stop Sign
No matter how your car looks exquisite and elegant with trendy car accessories and high performance car parts, this would be deemed useless if you don’t follow traffic rules; like this road signs.