Why are road safety signs important?

No matter where you drive, you will surely see road signs. As with any sign, road signs are meant to give you knowledge. In most cases, these signs are for your safety. They tell you things like which way you can go on a highway or how fast you can drive on the interstate. However, the most important signs you will see on the road are safety signs that warn you of dangerous road conditions or inform you of evacuation routes.

When driving down the interstate or highway, chances are you’ve seen a personalized “Men at Work” sign. This sign lets you know to be careful when driving in this area because the road may be uneven and men may be working near the lanes of traffic. Many times, a reduced speed limit sign precedes this type of sign. This allows motorists the opportunity to slow down so they have more time to react should an accident occur.

Another type of safety sign you will see along the highway are signs that warn of possible road conditions. One such sign is “Slippery When Wet.” This sign is often seen on bridges or near cliffs. It lets you know to be careful about your speed while driving through this area and the road is wet from rain. Also, the “Bridge May Freeze in Cold Weather” sign is another one you may come across when driving near a bridge. This sign informs motorists that when weather conditions are such that ice may form, use extreme caution across the bridge. Another is “Falling Rock Zone”. This sign is mostly seen in mountainous areas where there is a chance that rocks will shift and possibly fall onto the road.

Today, the different signs you’ll see along the road can give you the information you need to practice safe driving skills. No matter how old you are, road signs are posted to keep you and your fellow drivers safe. Remember to pay attention to traffic signs, they could save your life.