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On the lookout for a list of road signs and their meanings? We can help!
Road warning signs and meanings are particularly important because they direct your attention to unusual or hazardous road conditions. Overlooking these signs even once can create a dangerous situation for you and others on the road. Luckily, road warning signs are often very easy to spot.
Only a fraction of road signs are warning signs.
Many signs are informational or navigational in nature. These can be helpful, but knowing what they say is not really a matter of safety. On the other hand, itâs crucial to know road warning signs and meanings at a glance. Drivers should refresh their memory of road signs and their meanings every once in a while to stay safe.
How Can You Tell Warning Signs from Other Road Signs?
All road signs are designed for easy visibility, but road warning signs are a little bit different.
When you think of the word âwarningâ in other contexts, you probably think of the color red. But red is not the main color associated with warnings on the road. In fact, red signs are only used to indicate situations where you are required to stop or yield. They do not provide information about dangerous road conditions.
When you are watching for road warning signs and meanings, look out for yellow signs.
Yellow is the designated color for warning signs that inform drivers about specific dangers or changes in road condition. Many yellow warning signs are temporary in nature â for example, those warning of wet or icy road conditions â so you should always be alert to new signs in familiar areas.
Orange signs are also used for some temporary messaging, such as road construction and maintenance.
In addition to being yellow, standard road warning signs are distinguished by their diamond shape.
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List of Road Signs and Their Meanings for Drivers
Some of the most common road warning signs and meanings include:
1. Turn Signs
A âturnâ sign can indicate a left turn or a right turn up ahead. The sign consists of an arrow that bends sharply at a 90 degree angle in the direction of the indicated turn. Drivers should prepare to make the turn when they see the sign. All drivers must turn in the given direction â other directions are not permitted.
2.Curve and Sharp Curve Signs
A curve is shown by a warning sign with an arrow sloping gently in the required direction. A sharp curve is a yellow rectangular sign with an arrow pointing straight in the required direction. Both these signs inform drivers to be wary of the coming curve. The sharp curve may be abrupt and difficult to see in low visibility conditions.
A âsharp curveâ sign is one of the few warning signs that can be designed in two different ways. The alternate sharp curve design consists of a single chevron that stretches the entire length of a yellow rectangular sign that is longer than it is wide. The central point of the chevron indicates the direction of the curve.
3. Very Sharp Curve Sign
A âvery sharp curveâ sign consists of an arrow that curves in on itself with the arrowhead pointing directly at the first segment of the arrow. It is unusual because it is only used for curves of 270 degrees or more. A sharp curve sign can point to the right or left. Slowing down is advisable, as it may be easy to go off the road.
4. Winding Road Ahead Sign
A âwinding roadâ sign consists of a single arrow with âsnakyâ curves. The arrowhead points directly upward to the top point of the signâs diamond shape. This sign is placed on roads that have three or more curves within a short duration. Drivers are cautioned that they should slow down in advance of reaching the sign.
5. Hairpin Curve Ahead Sign
While âvery sharp curveâ signs are tricky enough, a âhairpin curveâ is even tougher. This type of sign is denoted by one arrow that makes a shape similar to a lowercase âN.â The arrowhead is placed on the side of the sign with the curve. The bend has an acute inner angle requiring a turn of about 180 degrees.
6. Intersection Within Curve Sign
The âintersection within curveâ sign is almost identical to the âcurveâ sign. It, too, has a main arrow that slopes in the direction of the curve. The visual difference is a small rectangular âoffshootâ pointing in the opposite direction from the curve. Drivers must proceed with caution, as traffic can join the curve from the intersection.
7. Cross Road Ahead Sign
The âcross road aheadâ sign (also called âcrossroad aheadâ sign) warns motorists that they will soon encounter a four-way intersection. When seeing the sign, prepare to turn or enter traffic, depending on which part of the intersection to be entered. Carefully observe traffic patterns before proceeding.
8. Y Intersection Ahead Sign
The âY intersection aheadâ sign is one of the most common of the different intersection signs. It shows a Y-shaped design depicting a three-way intersection where motorists must either bear to the right or the left. Be sure to check for any other signs nearby that indicate closures or hazards on the available routes.
9. T Intersection Ahead Sign
The âT intersection aheadâ sign bears the shape of a T. Just like the T, the long end points in the direction of the motorist and a horizontal bar crosses the opposite side. This sign means the road will soon end. Drivers should slow down and check that they are in the appropriate lane to make a left or right turn.
10. Circular Intersection Ahead Sign
A circular intersection, also known as a roundabout, is expressed by this sign that depicts three arrows coming together in a circular shape. It is easy to recognize because it somewhat resembles the symbol for recycling. When approaching a circular intersection, drivers should always yield to the traffic already in the intersection.
11.Side Road Sign
A âside roadâ sign resembles a T laid on its side. The direction in which the horizontal bar points indicates how the side road connects with the main road. Side roads usually enter the highway from the right side. Drivers must be alert to traffic entering and exiting the highway without warning.
12.Stop Ahead Sign and Yield Ahead Sign
Both of these signs provide advance warning of a stop sign or a yield sign within a few hundred feet. They are provided in situations where most drivers will need additional time to safely slow down and come to a full stop or yield to traffic where they are required to do so.
Hereâs one addition that should be on any list of road signs and their meanings: âINSURANCE NEEDED!â
Even if you memorize the best list of road signs and their meanings, thereâs still a chance youâll get into an accident. A single accident without car insurance can have major repercussions for years to come. With Cheap Insurance, you can compare car insurance fast and get the best deals around.
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