4b -Traffic Signs
Traffic Signs
Stop Signs Mean Stop!
Signs have three purposes:
They regulate, warn and inform. They are all important.
Shapes and colors of highway signs have special meanings. This helps you understand the message quickly.
Like for traffic lights, the Red color is the most important. It is the color that really attracts your attention. It means STOP, DANGER!
The only time a red color means “GO” is for a bull that is fighting in an arena, but everyone knows that a bull is not especially smart.
RED signs or lights mean STOP, DANGER! (even with no wording)
YELLOW signs mean ATTENTION
GREEN Lights mean GO! (unless danger is present)
ORANGE is for road work IT, means ATTENTION, SLOW DOWN
Green and Blue panels are informative panels, mostly on highways,
White panels are mostly regulatory (speed limit) or for directions, but all carry an important message, and you should pay attention to all of them.
The rules of the road are the traffic laws and driving practices that mean safe driving for all of us. These rules include:
• Traffic signs, signals, and highway markings
• Right of way
• Controlling speed
• Freeway driving
• Stopping
• Signaling, turning, lane changes, and passing
• Parking
Signs, signals, and highway markings are used alone and in combination to control traffic and make safe driving easier.
TWO TYPES OF STOP SIGNS ( RED)
IMPORTANT: IF THERE IS NO VISIBILITY AT THE STOP SIGN, YOU MUST STOP TWICE:
If your view of the cross street is blocked, start and slowly move forward, yield to pedestrians UNTIL YOU HAVE A CLEAR VIEW of what is, coming left and right. STOP AGAIN and wait until it is safe to proceed.
THE STOP SIGN MEANS WHAT IT SAYS:
“STOP” means stop in any language.
Stop signs mean you must come to a full stop BEFORE THE STOP LINE at the crosswalk and behind the stop sign, even if there is NO visibility.
Look on the left first, then right and left again before going forward. This is because the first lane of traffic you are about to cross comes from the left.
THE ‘YIELD” SIGN means be ready to stop
Yield signs are the Stop sign little brothers but more tolerant. It means the same as stop signs, except you may proceed without coming to a full stop if it is safe to do so.
You must: slow down as you approach the intersection.
Give the right of way to pedestrians and through traffic.
WARNING SIGNS (YELLOW) Mean slow down
Warning traffic signs are yellow, diamond-shaped, with black letters and symbols. They tell you there are special conditions or hazards ahead.
Warning Signs are Diamond shaped.
Railroad crossing signs mean just that!
They warn you that you need to slow down and may have to stop for a train. The crossbar (X) marks the actual location of the train tracks.
DO NOT PLAY CHICKEN AGAINST A TRAIN! You may lose, and your friends will not think of you not being a chicken but rather a fool and if you survive, you will lose their confidence in you.
You should look both ways when approaching the crossing, and always stay clear of the tracks when a train is approaching. Also, wait for total visibility after the train is gone. as another one may be coming from the opposite direction.
Danger signs. Slow down!!!
Construction signs (orange) Mean slow down (for the Drivers, not the workers!)
Construction and Maintenance signs are used to notify drivers of possible danger in or near work areas. Most signs used in highway and street work areas are diamond-shaped cones, drums, and barricades are used to alert you and to guide you safely through work areas. For night work, they may be equipped with warning lights. When used, you must slow down and follow the direction of the posted signs and any construction flaggers who may be present. Violations in construction and work zones result in increased traffic fines.
ROAD SIGNS AND MARKERS For your info
Route signs and markers are usually shaped like a shield, but there are different shapes and colors. These signs show U.S., Interstate, and state route numbers.
THE” LIKE” SIGN, I know I got your attention now! 🙂
You know this one for sure!
You won’t find this on the roadside, but it is here to remind you NOT to use your phone while driving.
Forget the call on Messenger. Switch off your phone entirely and say I LIKE 🙂
There are many sign languages a driver’s car uses especially to express anger. (we will not post a drawing for it) Do not pay attention to it as it may escalate to road rage.
Traffic Signals .
Traffic signals control traffic at intersections. Combinations of traffic and pedestrian signals, signs, pavement markings, and other traffic control devices may be used in some situations.
When traffic control lights are not working, you must come to a full stop before proceeding through the intersection. Think of a T-Bone (rare)
After yielding to pedestrians and other vehicles that have already stopped or are in the intersection, you may proceed with caution.
GREEN LIGHT:
means GO
You may proceed through an intersection in the direction indicated by the signal if the road is clear.
Make sure you look left first, then right, and left for oncoming traffic. You may go straight ahead, turn right or turn left unless a sign forbids the turn.
Slowing down or using brakes for no apparent reason on a green light and before the light turns yellow may be considered an obstruction to traffic. It might upset drivers behind you who must brake or swerve to avoid a rear-end collision.
YELLOW
means CAUTION
A steady yellow light is a warning that the light will be turning red in about 4 to 6 seconds (3 seconds in Chicago). You must stop UNLESS YOU HAVE NO TIME to reasonably stop, meaning:
DO NOT SLAM ON YOUR BRAKES!
Do not think “Do I have time to pass?” but rather “Do I have time to (reasonably) stop?”
If you are too close (about 3 seconds at 35 mph) to the intersection, you should continue moving at the same speed and clear it safely without accelerating.
RED LIGHT:
means STOP
You must come to a complete stop before you reach the intersection. Stop your vehicle behind the crosswalk or stop line. If there is no stop line or crosswalk, stop before entering the intersection. Remain stopped until the light turns green. Where not prohibited by signs, a right turn may be made at a red light after coming to a complete stop. Use your signal for a right turn, then turn when motor and pedestrian traffic is clear, and it is safe to proceed.
Go with the flow, but always be ready to brake when crossing an intersection even if you have the green light, especially when it just turned green.
MY PERSONAL ADVICE when crossing an intersection::
Keep a safe distance and be prepared to stop. Only move your right feet above the brake pedal, but do not use your brakes unless something unexpected happens.
When NOT to proceed when green
There is a situation when you should not enter an intersection with a green light:
- Even if you have a green light, do not enter an intersection if there are vehicles blocking your way.
- Wait behind your line until you are sure you can clear the intersection before entering it.
- Do not pull out in front of an approaching vehicle with its turn signal on to enter or to cross a street. The driver may plan to turn into a street or driveway just beyond you, may have changed his/her mind, or may have forgotten to turn off the signal, This is especially true of motorcycles; their signals may not turn themselves off. Wait until the other driver actually starts to turn before you go.
- Entering an intersection with a green light when the traffic ahead is blocked may create a traffic jam and is considered an obstruction of traffic.
- Use extra caution when crossing traffic in areas with hills or curves, where you cannot see or be seen as well.
- Same thing when turning left and your view ahead is blocked by a large vehicle on the opposite lane also waiting to turn left (some intersections still keep this system when 2 opposite lanes can turn left at the same time),
(IMPORTANT)
If there is a black-out and lights are off, then
treat all intersections as four-way STOP signs.
You cannot make the movement shown by the arrow. The red arrow may be shown alone or with another signal. Unless entering the intersection to make a movement allowed by another signal, drivers facing a red arrow must stop
DO NOT turn if there is a sign posted for NO TURN ON RED.
YELLOW ARROW—
This means that a lighted red arrow is about to appear. Stop if you are not already in the intersection, treat it the same as a yellow light.
FLASHING YELLOW ARROW:
The flashing yellow arrow is a new type of signal placed over the left turn lane at a signalized
intersection. A flashing yellow arrow means YIELD to oncoming traffic and pedestrians, and then
proceed with caution. This indication replaces the common circular green indication for left turns.
GREEN ARROW
A green arrow means GO, but first, you must yield to any vehicle, bicycle, or pedestrian still in the intersection. The green arrow pointing right or left allows you to make a protected turn; oncoming vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrians are stopped by a red light as long as the green arrow is lit.
THE GREEN ARROW IS GETTING REPLACED BY THE YELLOW ARROW ABOVE.
MORE LIGHT ON YELLOW LIGHTS
GREEN MEANS GO!
RED MEANS STOP! That is simple to understand but
BUT YELLOW? WHAT DOES IT MEAN???
( it means Attention Be ready to stop (do not accelerate)
Should I go or should I stop?
It depends on a few factors.
Something for sure: never hesitates.
It depends on your speed, the distance between you and the intersection traffic, etc
Should I brake hard as soon as the light turns orange?
NO! Unless imminent Danger, CONTINUE AT THE SAME SPEED If you are less than 3 seconds from the intersection at 35 mph.
But be aware if one car or two is ahead of you, one of them may be a beginner and slam on the brakes in panic!…
The simple thing to do is, release your feet from the accelerator, and be ready to use your brakes if the car in front of you does it …if you have enough momentum to cross before the light is ripe (turning red) then you are OK
At 35 MPH, 3 seconds is a lot of time and distance! You will cover 50 yards (150 feet) in 3 seconds!
Do not stop in the middle of the intersection unless an unexpected event happens
Slamming on your brakes would create havoc behind you, and you may be rear-ended.
Stop before the intersection if you have the time to REASONABLY stop. Do not accelerate to beat the light!
DO NOT ASK YOURSELF: “DO I HAVE THE TIME TO PASS ?” but
“DO I HAVE THE TIME TO REASONABLY STOP”?
Most importantly, do not panic!
Some people slam their brakes as soon the light goes orange even though they are about to enter the intersection
DO NOT SLAM ON YOUR BRAKES!
WHAT IF I SLAM ON MY BRAKES?
You simply may be rear-ended. Imagine you have a 35-ton 18-wheeler on your tail! Even getting rear-ended by a car may cripple you for the rest of your life!
It hurts more than a head-on collision because neither the seat belt nor the airbag will protect you. Your neck does not touch the headrest, only the back of the head does, and the shock will break your neck as your chin will brutally smash on your chest. I know that because it cost me one year of reeducation for being rear-ended at 50 mph while waiting at a red light.
Your neck (not the back of your head should touch the headrest because, in case of an impact from behind, and with your head touching your headrest, the sudden impact from behind will make your chin hit your chest so hard and so fast that your neck nerves will be stretched and damaged for life.
Adjust your headrest to touch your neck just above the shoulders.
YOUR SEAT BELT will prevent you from hitting the steering wheel on the rebound after impact!!! But the damage may be done, so adjust your headrest accordingly.
Be smart! When driving at 35 mph and the light is turning orange, you have less than 3 seconds before entering the intersection just continue at the same speed, do not panic! If the light turns red AFTER your rear wheels have passed the first pedestrian crossing, you will still be fine. You should not be concerned if the light turns red when you are in the middle of the intersection, just clear it at the same speed, it may just take 1 second or 2.
Beware, in Chicago where yellow lights last exactly 3 seconds now.
That is a very dangerous practice, as it forces people to slam on their brakes to avoid a fine (but not a rear-end collision). It seems Chicago is more concerned about collecting money than driver’s safety.
A VERY DANGEROUS JOB!!!!
Traffic Agents
Before automatic lights were so common, it used to be a policeman to regulate the flow, and he was standing right in the center of the intersection.,
When he wanted to stop the traffic, he raised his hand (meaning caution) and then pointed at a car far enough so it had time to slow down and stop before the intersection. He disregarded the first car if it was too close but walked in front of the next one to force it to stop. You knew then that you had to obey him. After making sure everyone stopped, he turned toward the crossing traffic and allowed them to start.
THAT WAS VERY SAFE FOR CARS, BUT NOT FOR POLICEMEN.
We posted a video on topic #5e – Intersection and yielding, showing place de l’ Étoile In Paris taken from the top of the Triumph arch. It shows 3 of the 8 merging avenues on the roundabout on pick hours. Halfway through the video appears a Policeman who starts to regulate traffic, it looks like a little ant viewed from the top of the triumph arch. But the video is in rapid motion, which makes it hilarious to watch. It is fascinating to see the policeman dancing in the flow of cars. Don’t miss it on topic 5e.
And, amazingly, there are rarely fender-benders on this round-about: Golden rule: Yield to the right.
Traffic agents were replaced by automatic traffic lights when drivers became less and less respectful of the law, and it became too dangerous for policemen, but the rule stayed the same.
But with an automatic system, the “caution” (orange) signal is not understood by some.
DON’T WALK
Caution
The signal is hanging. Pedestrians may not start across the roadway.
However, if you are partly across when this begins flashing, you may continue to the sidewalk or safety island. Of course, do not stop in the middle of the street.
Pedestrians are not to cross. Both drivers and pedestrians are responsible for the safe use of our roadways.
Drivers should always be prepared to yield to pedestrians.
WALK
Means… Walk bu be VIGILANT
Pedestrians facing the signal may cross the street or highway in the direction of the signal.
However, it is wise to look if the traffic is stopped AND NOT TEXTING DURING CROSSING.
DID YOU KNOW?
1/4 of people
did not care…
More than 25/100 pedestrians killed in Nevada in 2005 were killed walking in an intersection.
Watch the video below about a dog teaching people how to cross a street. Animals know by instinct what is dangerous..
WATCH THIS:
This is a VAGRANT, UNEDUCATED DOG, teaching humans how to wait for the green light.
Being smart does not mean being educated/trained,,,,
CONGRATULATION MR DOGGY !!! YOU TAUGHT AN IMPORTANT LESSON TO EDUCATED /STUPID HUMANS….
HIGHWAY MARKING
Do not let road markings confuse you!
Passing and changing lane:
Like signs, highway markings warn, regulate, and inform. Markings are white and yellow, and each type of line has a special meaning.
White Ines separate 2 lanes with traffic going in the same direction
Yellow lines separate lines from the opposite direction
DASHED
WHITE LINES
White lines separate lanes of traffic moving in the same direction. When they are dashed on your side, you can change lanes or pass.
SOLID
WHITE LINES
DO NOT CROSS a solid white line, single or doubled with a dashed line if it is not on your side
DASHED
YELLOW LINES
Yellow lines separate lanes of traffic moving in opposite directions. When they are dashed on your side, you can change lanes or pass.
SOLID
YELLOW LINES
When they are solid on your side you cannot change lane or pass.
A solid yellow line is also used to mark the left edge on multi-lane divided highways.
WANNA WANT TO SEE WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU DO?
Watch the video of a head-on collision below, and imagine you were inside. does not matter what car, take a pic.
DOUBLE YELLOW LINES – EXTREME DANGER!!!!
NEVER, EVER CROSS A DOUBLE YELLOW LINE.
It is considered a solid barrier for a reason
Question: Why did the opossum cross the road with a double yellow line?
Response 1: To go to the other side.
Response 2: He did not follow a Driver’s Education.
60 MPH Head-on Crash.
Colored curb markings mean that parking is controlled as follows:
Blue Curb
Motorists must have a disabled person parking placard (typically hanging on the rearview mirror) or disabled person or disabled license plate.
White Curb
May be allowed a very shortstop
only passengers drop-off or mailbox
RED CURB
Fire hydrants (favored by dogs.), edges of driveways, Intersection corners, bus stops, and Curb ramps.
“No Parking” zones at any time, under any circumstances.
Vehicles are subject to citation and tow.
Green Curb
Allows parking for a limited time.
The amount of time is usually posted on a sign,
Yellow Curb
Means a loading zone and Deliveries
Local Laws apply.
Multicolor Curb
Means someone parked illegally and someone else got mad.
More Traffic Signs
It is important to recognize a sign at first glance. Shape and color will give you a good indication of the type of danger or direction lay ahead. Get familiar with them.
REMEMBER:
driving a car is LIKE having a deadly weapon In your hands.
Driving is not knowing how to turn a steering wheel or slow down
but knowing when to do it INSTINCTIVELY.
Driving is not just knowing how to turn a wheel, but knowledge, awareness, and experience
SORRY FOR THE REPEAT: DESPITE ALL OUR WARNINGS, MANY STUDENTS STILL DO THEIR QUIZZES BY GUESSING ANSWERS.
KNOWLEDGE IS THE KEY. GUESSING THE QUIZZES DOES NOT TRAIN YOUR SUBCONSCIOUS MIND. IT CONFUSES IT.
BE A RESPONSIBLE ADULT, you will be soon in charge of a deadly weapon (your car)
Thank you for your understanding.
End of Topic 4b- TRAFFIC SIGNS & Markings
Next Step: TOPIC 4C: ” BEHIND THE WHEEL TIREDNESS”