Traffic signs

TRAFFIC SIGNS

Traffic Sign or Road Sign

Traffic Sign or Road Sign is a device mounted on a fixed or portable support. It conveys specific information by means of words or symbols. Traffic signs should be located in such a way that they are clearly visible for the drivers of the approaching vehicles. They are installed where special regulations apply or unusual conditions or hazards exist. The traffic signs are backed by law in order to make them effective.

1. PURPOSES OF TRAFFIC SIGNS

Along the roads, it is necessary to install suitable road signs for the following purposes:

1. To achieve smooth and orderly movement of the traffic.

2. To control speeds of the vehicles.

3. To control the traffic behavior such as parking, over-taking, etc.

4. To regulate the traffic on different roots.

5. To guide the road users of hazardous conditions ahead.

6. To intercept heavy traffic in order to allow other vehicles and pedestrians.

7. To reduce the chances of accidents.

2. CHARACTERISTICS OF TRAFFIC SIGNS

The traffic signs should have the following characteristics:

1. The traffic signs should be of large size on high speed roads.

2. Spacing between the letters should be large and optically equal.

3. Maximum number of words should be three..

4. Size, shape, spacing and color of the traffic signs should be uniform.

5. Traffic signs should be illuminated by light during night.

3. TYPES OF TRAFFIC SIGNS

As per the Indian Motor Vehicles Act, the road signs are classified into three types. These are:

1. Regulatory Signs or Mandatory Signs

2. Informatory Signs or Guide Signs 3.. Warning Signs or Cautionary Signs

4. REGULATORY SIGNS or MANDATORY SIGNS

Regulatory Signs are used to inform the road-users of certain laws, regulations to be followed and prohibitions so as to have a safe and free flow of traffic.

Regulatory Signs include: STOP, NO ENTRY, ONE WAY, GIVE WAY, KEEP LEFT, NO PARKING, NO HORNS, LORRIES AND TRUCKS PROHIBITED, HAND CART PROHIBITED, U-TURN PROHIBITED, PEDESTRIAN PROHIBITED, SPEED LIMIT, etc. Violation of these signs is a legal offence.

Fig. 10 shows the general design of a Regulatory Sign. It carries a Definition Plate below the circular disc. 

Fig. 11 shows some of the regulatory signs.

5. WARNING SIGNS or CAUTIONARY SIGNS

These signs are used to warn or caution the road users of hazardous conditions ahead. Fig. 12 shows the general design of the Warning Sign. It is an equilateral triangle supported on a post.

The various warning signs are: Right-hand Curve, Left-hand Curve, Narrow Bridge, Jigjag Curve, School Zone, Major Road Ahead, Narrow Road Ahead, Men at Work, Guarded Railway Crossing, Unguarded Railway Crossing, etc. Fig. 13 shows some of the warning signs.

6. INFORMATORY SIGNS or GUIDE SIGNS

See Fig. 14. Informatory Signs guide the road user and give such information as may be of interest during travel.

These signs give useful information to the motorists to help them along their way in simple and direct manner. An informatory sign is made of a rectangular board of specific size.

Informatory signs are: Petrol Pump, Hospitals, Route designations, Destinations, Directions, Distances, Services, Points of Interest and other Geographical information.