Traffic Signs

Traffic signs come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. You see them everywhere you go; unfortunately, that leads some drivers to ignore them. As is the case with speed limit signs, traffic signs are placed for a reason. Always observe what is posted and be sure you fully understand the meaning of all traffic signs before you hit the road. Trying to figure out the information on a sign while you are driving past it is not a good defensive driving practice.

                                                                                               

Many traffic signs simply provide you with information. Such signs come in various shapes and sizes as well as colors. You might see a sign that marks the route you are traveling. Another sign might inform you that there is a service station at the next freeway exit or that there is a rest area further ahead on the freeway. If there is a hospital close to a freeway, there will probably be a sign indicating this. Then, of course, you have the ever present street signs. It would be difficult to find your way around if street names were not posted.

One important type of informational sign is the milepost marker. You will see these along most freeways; as the name implies, a milepost marker is positioned at every mile, showing the number of miles you have passed since the state border. Milepost markers can make for a very boring trip. If you are on a long stretch of road and begin keeping track of mileage markers, you are in for a long haul. Avoid this practice of counting every single mile if you can.

Now, why are milepost markers so important? If you break down or have an emergency along the freeway, you can get help to your exact location more quickly if you can provide the number on the milepost marker. There is no searching for you because your exact location is known. Of course, not every problem occurs right at a milepost marker. So, while you do not want to obsess over the numbers, always be aware of the last mile marker or two that you have passed. Then, you can at least let emergency responders or tow truck drivers know of your approximate location. That is far better than just saying that your are traveling West on Highway 65. If a road has no milepost markers or as an additional option, take occasional note of cross streets or exits that you pass. Even that is valuable information when you find yourself in distress.

Diamond shaped signs are typically warning signs, although there are a couple of warning signs that are shaped differently. Black lettering on yellow is the standard type of warning sign. You may even see more of a greenish background on newer signs. Black lettering on an orange background is associated with warning signs in work or construction zones.

Many black on yellow warning signs indicate the shape of the road ahead. The sign may warn of a sharp curve or of multiple curves. You may see a warning that you are approaching an intersection where traffic will enter on your right. You may also see that there is a bump in the road ahead or that you are approaching a stop sign. Other warning signs may tell you that fire engines may enter the road at a certain point or that a stretch of road is where deer typically cross.

A small number of warning signs are not in the standard diamond shape. A pennant shaped sign indicates you are entering a no pass zone. The actual words will appear on that sign as well. A series of small rectangular signs with arrows will mark a sharp curve. Signs shaped like the silhouette of a house will warn that you are approaching a school crossing. Other non standard warning signs mark bike lanes or remind you to keep three feet away from bicyclists.

Regulatory signs direct traffic. In other words, they inform drivers of the traffic law in effect in that area. Ignoring regulatory signs can get you a ticket. Ignoring any sign can possibly put you in danger. Most regulatory signs have black lettering on a white background.

Two important signs you must understand are “STOP” and “YIELD”. These signs are so important that they have their own shapes. Stop signs have the telltale octagon shape. This is critical because when you approach a stop sign, you must come to a complete stop. Besides being reckless and illegal, running a stop sign puts you in immediate danger. Other drivers who see you have a stop sign will assume you will honor the sign and continue on their way. If you suddenly pull out into their path, the potential for a serious crash is there.

Yield signs are shaped like an upside down triangle. Think about the top of the letter ‘Y’, and that Y stands for yield. If you arrive at an intersection at the same time as another vehicle, the driver with the yield sign must yield the right of way to the other driver. Again, never assume that every driver will do this. Approach yield signs cautiously. Slow down a bit and proceed when you see the path is clear.

Other regulatory signs are fairly easy to read because they contain numbers or words. You will see speed limits or “no parking” signs. Some regulatory signs will tell you that you cannot pass or make a right turn at a red light. Still others indicate a one way street or that you cannot enter a street from your direction.

Now let’s take some time to revisit the diamond shaped warning signs, in this case the black on orange construction signs. These warning signs may warn you that you are approaching a work or construction zone.

This is important for a number of reasons:

  • You will certainly want to lower your speed.
  • Expect possible lane changes or new road configurations.
  • Expect trucks or workers to appear in front of you with little to no warning.
  • Expect hazards in the road: anything from sharp objects to potholes to those
    infamous orange barrels.
  • In many areas, fines you receive in work zones are doubled!

    OTHER BLACK ON ORANGE SIGNS MAY WARN YOU OF THE PRESENCE OF FLAGMEN OR WORKERS. THEY MAY EVEN WARN OF LAWN MOWING TAKING PLACE.