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What are the Most Common Road Signs

Resource Description

the road signs

If you are a driver you probably know that the city roads, highways and other traffic are controlled by road signs. Road signs help to prevent dangerous problems and to maintain traffic regulation. That is why it is important to understand the importance of road signs.

Why is it important to follow the road sign regulations?

Traffic signs are used to caution drivers and pedestrians about a broad spectrum of things. They caution drivers about speed limits or road changes. They also inform them about approaching points such as schools, gas stations, hotels, etc. Road signs  are also helpful for pedestrians to be careful while going past crossroads or heavy traffic streets. 

Due to road signs the traffic regulation can be approached, that is why it is critical to pay attention to signs you see while driving not to get into a car accident. It will help to keep you, pedestrians and your automobile safe and sound.

What is the color and shape meaning of the traffic signs?

Traffic signs are divided into several groups by their color and shape. Every color on a sign means and tells the driver about expecting points or traffic issues ahead.

Stop Sign Parallel Railroad Crossing T-Road Private road sign Road work sign

1. "Stop" Sign. Red color means stop or yield. The red traffic sign informs the driver to stop at the crossroad or intersection, one way or prohibited streets.

2. Parallel Railroad Crossing T-Road. Yellow color is used for the warning signs. It carries a caution message.

3. Private Road. Black & White traffic signs point to obligatory rules, laws and regulations.

4. Road Work Sign. Orange sign means the work in progress to protect the construction area from traffic.
school bus stop ahead sign blue sign brown sign green sign

5. School Bus Stop Ahead. Neon yellow-green traffic signs means caution as well as ordinary yellow signs.

6. Blue color points the drivers to upcoming service facilities.

7. Brown color marks attractions such as museums, parks and historical sightseeings.

8. Green color is used for the signs that point about the destinations and their distances.

Road signs can also be determined by their shapes:

Octagon sign school crossing sign road traffic signs

1. Octagon Bilingual Sign "Stop". For instance octagon shape are often used for red signs that mean “Stop” or “Yield”.

2. School Crossing Sign. Pentagon traffic sign often shows school signs, as it is shown below:

3. Share The Road, Private Road. Horizontal rectangle gives the information or direction, while the vertical rectangle informs about regulations.

Right side road symbol sign no passing zone sign Triangle sign

4. Right Side Road Symbol. Warning and cautions are always shown on diamond shaped traffic signs.

5. No Passing Zone. Pennant shaped is used for the signs that mean “no passing zone”.

6. Sign "Yield". Triangle shape with red and white colors is used for the YIELD sign. No other road signs have a triangle shape.

10 most common traffic signs and their meanings

There are thousands of road signs. However, there are those signs that you have to know like the back of your hand. There are 10 most common traffic signs listed below that you will probably meet during every time you drive.

Pedestrian Crossing Sign 1. Pedestrian Crossing Sign is used to control the regulations and keep the pedestrians safe. Point out to this traffic sign not to injure pedestrians and get into troubles.
Deer Crossing sign 2. Deer Crossing Sign is one of the most important signs, because an average deer may weigh around 105 pounds and its height can achieve up to 3-4 feet. That is why unless you slow down the speed limit, your car will be damaged by the deer and you won't pass the area safely.
Men at work sign 3. Men at work sign means that you achieved a construction zone. In such zones workers are in danger, because they can be injured by the traffic. This road sign warns you to be careful and not to hit the workers.
Speed limit sign 4. Speed Limit Sign demonstrate maximum and minimum speed limits in different areas for a variety of vehicles. In a construction zone it is important to follow the regulation speed limit, not to damage other vehicles and injure people.
Yield sign 5. Yield sign is alike to the “Stop” sign. This sign warns the driver to slow down the speed and be aware of approaching traffic on the crossroads for instance.
Keep right sign 6. Keep Right Sign is used when the road is narrowed. For instance drivers should change the path on the highway because of the dividers or constructions.
School zone sign 7. School Zone Sign means that you have to slow down, because children are not careful and may run across the road. That's why it is your obligation to care about not injuring kids.
No bicycle sign 8. No Bicycle Sign are for cyclists, because they are also a part of the traffic. If you're riding a bicycle, you have to pay attention to the traffic regulation as well. This road sign means that you are forbidden to enter the driveway.
No u-turn sign 9. No U-Turn Sign means that drivers are prohibited to change the road direction into the opposite one. That is why, when you see this sign, you can't approach a U-turn legally.
Stop Sign 10. Stop Sign is the most symbolic road sign. First of all, its octagon shape is unique as well as its red color. As we discussed above, red color means to stop or yield. This sign has such a shape and color because of the importance of transportation safety. Stop signs obligate drivers to stop in the areas where there may be traffic on the crossroads or the opposite directions.

DRIVING SAFETY TIPS

When you drive your vehicle alone or with passengers, pay also attention to safety tips, to avoid unexpected traffic issues and accidents. It is obligatory to understand basic safety rules not to be disturbed on the road by unwanted actions or health problems.

CONCENTRATE ON DRIVING

Focus on driving every time you drive. DON'T get distracted by your fellows, phones and other
devices while driving. Try to be aware of the speed to have to react fast while preventing car
accidents.

TRY TO DRIVE “SEPARATELY”

Be careful of other drivers in the traffic and pay attention to their driving skills. Be prepared for all the unexpected actions of other drivers, especially motorists, who do unpredictable crazy actions that can injure them and even other people and their vehicles and don't understand how it is important to drive correctly and attentively.

AVOID NOISE IN YOUR CAR

Forbid your children to play, climb or shout in the vehicle. Too much noise can disturb you from concentrating on driving.

PREVENT DRIVING WHEN YOU FEEL BAD

If you feel tired or drowsy try to prevent driving especially for a long distance. When you take medicines that cause sluggishness or drowsiness, driving your vehicle may be dangerous. That is why, avoid driving for long distances for the time you take medicines.