What are road signs?

Why Road Signs Matter

Road signs are designed to prevent accidents and ensure smooth traffic flow. Without road signs, roads would be chaotic and dangerous. Signs provide instructions, warnings, and information to help drivers make safe decisions. They’re a universal language that every driver must understand. That’s why learning what each sign represents is one of the first things you’ll study when getting ready for your driver’s license.

Types of Road Signs

Road signs can be divided into three main categories: regulatory signs, warning signs, and informational signs. Each type of sign has its unique purpose.

1. Regulatory Signs

These signs are meant to inform drivers of the rules they must follow. Breaking these rules can result in fines or accidents.

Examples:

• Stop Sign: Come to a full stop before proceeding past the stop sign.
• Speed Limit Sign: Follow the speed limit on the sign to gauge how fast/what speed to drive at.
• Yield Sign: Drivers must slow down or stop to give the right of way to other vehicles or pedestrians.

2. Warning Signs

Warning signs help drivers stay alert and prepare for upcoming hazards. These signs are often yellow or orange, with black symbols or text. They’re usually diamond-shaped or triangular.

Examples:

• Curve Ahead: A sign with a curved arrow warns of a sharp bend in the road.
• Pedestrian Crossing: A sign showing a person walking indicates areas where pedestrians frequently cross.
• Construction Zone: A sign with an orange background alerts drivers that they are entering a construction area where workers might be present.

3. Informational Signs

These signs provide helpful information to drivers. They might indicate directions, distances, or points of interest. They are usually green, blue, or brown.

Examples:

• Exit Signs: Green signs with the word “EXIT” show drivers which lane to take to leave the highway or freeway.
• Hospital or Gas Station: Blue signs point to nearby services like gas stations, rest stops, or hospitals.
• Mile Markers: These signs indicate the distance you’ve traveled along a highway.

Shapes and Colors of Road Signs

Understanding the shapes and colors of road signs is important because it helps you identify the purpose of a sign:

• Octagon (8 sides): Always means “STOP.”
• Triangle: Indicates “Yield.”
• Diamond: A warning about upcoming hazards or changes.
• Rectangle or Square: Usually regulatory signs that provide rules or directions.
• Round: Warning for railroad crossings.
• Vertical Rectangle: These typically provide information, such as speed limits or directions.

Colors:

• Red: Often used for stop signs or things that require immediate attention, like “Do Not Enter.”
• Yellow: A warning or caution, usually for changes in road conditions.
• Green: Indicates directions, exits, or allowed actions.
• Blue: Typically used for informational signs like service areas or rest stops.
• Orange: Construction zone warnings.

The obstruction of road signs could lead to serious injury or trouble with an officer of the law. If you or someone you know has faced legal action and is required to take the risk reduction course A-1 Driving Schools is always here to help!