Warning signs, also known as hazard signs, inform road users about what they cannot do. They highlight potential risks that can cause injuries or even death in extreme situations. Warning signs are usually displayed in a risk area where they can be seen easily.
Thus, warning signs are crucial to promoting safety and preventing accidents on the road. They are an essential component of health and safety regulations. Therefore, it is important to understand different warning signs so you can easily anticipate their meaning.
This guide helps you know about different warning signs and the respective meanings they indicate to road users.
Different Warning Signs & What Do They Indicate
Double Bend
This sign indicates the presence of a bend in the road after the one you can already see in front of you. The second bend might be well hidden for the road user, so it is crucial that this sign is displayed at the right place.
End of Dual Carriageway
The end of the dual carriageway sign indicates that the dual carriageway will end, and vehicles will merge into a single lane. In such situations, curved arrows painted on the outside lane give drivers information about merging into the left-hand lane of traffic.
Hump Bridge
This sign warns road users about a bridge coming ahead and indicates that their visibility of oncoming traffic might be reduced due to the bridge's steepness. On the other hand, the bridge can also be narrow, and in that case, there will be narrow roads on both sides.
Road Hump
This warning sign, also known as a speed bump, indicates the presence of a flat-topped or rounded protrusion in the partial or full width of a road or at a junction. It tells drivers to slow down to avoid a sudden jolt and prevent damage to the car's suspension.
Road Narrows On Both Sides
This sign gives an indication that there will be less space on either side of you to manoeuvre in the lane which means you might be driving closer to other vehicles and barriers. Therefore, you should drive at a reasonable speed at which you have full control over your vehicle.
Side Winds
Side winds warning sign is also known as crosswinds, which indicates that there is a risk of strong winds in the area which will be hitting your vehicle's sides. These winds can push your vehicle towards your lane's edge, either towards the roadside or towards another lane.
Upon seeing this sign, you should ensure you are driving at a comfortable speed with both hands on the steering position to maintain a correct position on the road against the blowing wind.
Slippery Road
There is less traction for your vehicle on a slippery road, which means less control over the vehicle, leading to a reduction in the braking system's effectiveness. Moreover, the wheels can also be turned more easily than in normal conditions, so you should not overcompensate your steering wheel and make adjustments accordingly when you see this sign displayed on the road. Road users should increase the distance from the next vehicle in such situations.
Steep Hill Upwards
This sign indicates a steeper incline ahead in the road and requires you to prepare for accelerating so that your speed can be maintained. It also requires you to be prepared to lower your gear if you are in a higher one.
T-Junction
This warning sign is mostly displayed on a road which has three junctions at the point where the road comes to an end and requires you to take a left or right turn. This sign can also be displayed at a point where a side road will join the main road.
Traffic Queues Likely Ahead
This warning sign is displayed at the entrance of busy junctions to indicate to the drivers that there is more traffic in these areas. You can expect traffic queues in these areas during rush hours, such as when people drive to and from their work. Therefore, you should plan accordingly and have a time margin to accommodate any delays if you will be driving through these areas, or you can take another route.
Tunnel
This sign warns road users about a tunnel up ahead and indicates that visibility will be reduced in the tunnel's darkness. It also indicates that there will be narrower roads due to tunnel walls that can be felt closer to you and require you to reduce your vehicle's speed as a caution while driving through it.
Uneven Road
The uneven road sign is used to warn road users regarding different road conditions ahead, and these signs are usually present on older roads or country back roads. This sign indicates varied road camber, due to which you can have less control over the vehicle. You should stay vigilant of incoming traffic while driving on such a road and decrease your speed by having both hands on the steering wheel.
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