Signs, Signals and Stripes A Ten-Minute Training Topics Presentation

Statistics 90% of vehicle crashes are due to driver actions, choices, attitudes or impairment. Of those collisions, some percentage might have been avoided if the operator had more time to react, or had been more familiar with processes, rules and practices related to successful vehicle operation.

Introduction While most drivers are familiar with the “rules of the road” based on their early study of driver’s manuals as a teenager first learning to drive, many folks would struggle to pass a “pop quiz” today on those same topics.

Introduction One of the benefits of adopting a uniform set of rules for traffic safety throughout the USA is that we can travel from state to state without having to learn multiple approaches to regulating traffic flow. The Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD - http://mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov) establishes consistent guidance for the color, wording, and placement of traffic control signs, signals and stripes.

Introduction While there may be additional, special issues in local regions that are not universally encountered, most drivers would be able to pick up a driver’s manual from any state in the USA and get 99% of what they need to know presented accurately.

Introduction Could you imagine if each state had adopted their own standards for traffic safety? We might have triangular, yellow stop signs in one state and purple circles in another!

Refreshers for Everyone Youthful drivers and newly licensed drivers are two groups that come to mind when thinking about who could benefit from a refresher on signs, signals and stripes. If you really think about the type of driving observed on today’s highways, there are many more drivers who either don’t understand what these symbols mean, or they simply don’t care.

Refreshers for Everyone Taking time to become better acquainted with the symbols of the road can help experienced drivers in a number of ways: better anticipation of conditions ahead based on early recognition of the signs, stripes and signals; improved reaction times and responsiveness by not having to try to remember and interpret symbols during panic maneuvers.

Refreshers for Everyone Additionally, it can be helpful when working with less experienced drivers – we want to assure we pass along 100% correct information as we try to encourage them to drive safer.

Signs The MUTCD covers a lot of detail on signs. Consider this lengthy table of contents listing: Chapter 2C - Warning Signs and Object Markers Chapter 2D - Guide Signs for Conventional Roads Chapter 2E - Guide Signs for Freeways and Expressways Chapter 2F - Toll Road Signs Chapter 2G - Preferential and Managed Lane Signs Chapter 2H - General Information Signs Chapter 2I - General Service Signs Chapter 2J - Specific Service (Logo) Signs Chapter 2K - Tourist-Oriented Directional Signs Chapter 2L - Changeable Message Signs Chapter 2M - Recreational and Cultural Interest Area Signs Chapter 2N - Emergency Management Sign lot or terminal facility.

Signs The MUTCD provides specific guidance that each local jurisdiction ought to take care in placing signs where they’re really needed and will make a difference.

Signs Still, it may seem like some signs (deer crossing, etc) are placed randomly – they’re not. In the case of animal crossing signs (as one example) the signs are placed where there have been prior collisions, or there is a clearly established migration trail.

Signs Lastly, the MUTCD specifies that signs shall be defined by their function as follows: Regulatory signs give notice of traffic laws or regulations. Warning signs give notice of a situation that might not be readily apparent. Guide signs show route designations, destinations, directions, distances, services, points of interest, and other geographical, recreational, or cultural information

Signals Traffic signals at intersections help control traffic flow in an orderly and reasonable manner. They break up heavy traffic flow to allow pauses for pedestrians to cross, and they help to reduce right-angle collisions when properly configured.

Signals There is a lot of engineering that must be done to best time the signals to maximize traffic flow at various times of the day, and the MUTCD provides a lot of guidance on the selection and set up of signal controlled intersections.

Signals As motorists we must be careful to pay close attention to signals and treat them “defensively” In other words, a signal that we first observe to be green may change indication at any time and we ought to be prepared to stop.

Signals Alternatives to traditional signal controlled intersections may be installed where signals would disrupt traffic flow more than it would benefit. These may include flashing beacons, stop signs (2-way or 4-way) and even roundabouts or “traffic circles”.

Stripes & Lane Markings Stripes and lane markings on local streets and major highways fulfill specific functions in providing guidance and information for motorists and commercial operators.

Stripes & Lane Markings Typically encountered markings include lane delineators, merge indicators, curb markings, and in some cases, these are designed to work with other traffic control devices such as signs and signals (i.e. a limit line indicating where to stop along with a stop sign).

Stripes & Lane Markings The color, pattern (solid versus dashed) and the combination of these factors (one dashed and one solid line have a different meaning that a pair of solid lines) convey different messages to drivers.

Stripes & Lane Markings Stripes and lane markings confirm passing or no-passing areas, and help us to understand where our vehicle should be in relation to other vehicles which may be going the same direction or may be opposing us.

Summary It has often been said that the real test of understanding is being able to explain concepts, rules or details to another person so effectively that they also gain an understanding of those details.

Summary We tend to drive on “auto pilot” each day since we have become familiar with the many types of Signs, Stripes and Signals encountered on side streets and highways.

Summary However, there’s a benefit to pulling out the local driver’s manual (typically available online for free) to refresh our understanding of these symbols and their intended benefit to drivers.

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