Traffic Signs is the key requirement for road safety to guide drivers and pedestrians in order to maintain traffic better and minimise the risks. The Traffic Signs are of various shapes and colours and hold different meanings. Of these, signs that make “orders” are particularly important in that they force drivers to behave differently.
In this comprehensive guide, we will take a look at what signs are used to give orders, what they mean and why they are necessary. Whether you’re taking your driving lessons or just wanting to learn more about Traffic Signs, this Learn and Drive UK blog post will take a closer look at the importance of traffic sign shapes in keeping our roads safe.
How to Read Traffic Signs and Shapes
But before we discuss shapes in traffic signs giving orders, let us go back a bit to have some idea of how traffic signs are categorised in general. There are three basic types of road signs:
- Regulatory Signs (Commands and Prohibitions): Instructional to be observed by all road users; it is a command on certain road signs. And they range from speed limits to no-entry signs to stop signs.
- Warning Signs: -designed to warn of potential hazards such as turns, or pedestrian and bicycle crossings.
- Guide Signs Information Signs – These signs give you information about the motorway you are on.
Traffic orders directing actions to be taken by drivers are typically regulations as they enforce what a driver should do to be lawful and safe when travelling. The shapes of these signs attract attention and provide visual integrity so that they can be easily recognised in a variety of driving situations.
What corresponds to a traffic sign that gives orders?
The shape of a sign is important for getting a point across quickly and efficiently. Today, we’re going to take a look at the typical forms for issuing orders and the instructions that they provide.
1. Octagonal Signs – Stop Signs
Arguably the most recognisable type of traffic sign, the octagon shape is the only one used for stop signs. The stop sign is red with a white rim and the word “STOP” in huge, widely-spaced letters. It is easy for people to identify this shape and has been selected for its non-uniform shape, which is well illuminated while engaging in driving activities.
- Order: A driver at an intersection must stop at the intersection and yield the right of way to other traffic or pedestrians.
- Why Octagonal? The unique design tells drivers to immediately stop without any confusion.
- Round Signs – Speed Limits and Other Instructions
The circular form is generally reserved for signs conveying a specific limit or restriction. For instance, speed limit signs are round signs that frequently have a red edge and a number showing the highest speed permitted at a specific location.
- Ordinance: The posted speed limit has been enacted to encourage safe driving habits and to reduce the likelihood of accidents.
- Why Circular? : The circle is something which is easy to find while driving, and it gives a feeling of never-ending, meaning it’s ending where you need to follow the restriction.
Besides speed limit signs, circular signs are used for various regulatory instructions on signs such as “No Entry” or “One-Way” signs.
2. YIELD and CAUTION major road sign – upside-down triangles
Though triangular signs are normally used to denote warnings (such as “Give Way”/”Yield” signs), triangles are also used in certain cases to indicate commands. Use of triangular, diamond-shaped, yellow (or green) warning signs is limited to situations in which the driver must be warned to yield.
- Rule: If you see a triangle road sign, then you should reduce your speed and allow other vehicles to pass through the area first. This is especially true for junctions or crossings.
- Why Triangular? : Downward-pointing terse triangles command and inform with certainty and warning, or action. The triangle’s sharp angles imply the need to make swift decisions.
- ‘Rectangular or Square Signs: No Parking or No Waiting
Such square or rectangular signs normally bear parking, stopping or waiting restrictions. These signs identify zones of no parking, no stopping, or give commands.
- Order: A rectangular sign with the legend “No Parking” or “No Stopping” shall indicate that the driver shall not park or stop at that location, at that time, except to avoid conflict with other traffic or in compliance with the directions of a police officer or other person authorised to direct, control or regulate traffic.
- Why Rectangular/Square? These are used because they are found in traffic signs along with larger text or multiple requests, making it possible to provide details within that shape.
3. Diamond-Shaped Signs – Road Conditions
Although usually associated with warning signage, diamond-shaped signs also serve to inform drivers in some regulatory situations of what they must do in regards to road and dangerous conditions, or right-of-way orders made concerning dangerous conditions. For instance, a diamond-shaped sign is used to signify temporary lane closures and roadwork, which only drivers in that lane would need to obey.
- Order: These signs frequently transmit commands to decelerate or navigate along a detour on account of unanticipated road conditions.
- Why Diamond? The diamond shape is visually striking and historically is used to indicate warnings or requirements, so it works well for road conditions or actions drivers need to take in certain circumstances.
Why Do the Shapes of Traffic Signs Matter?
Shapes in traffic signs aim to allow the messages to be understood in a fast and clear way. In high-traffic locations, drivers must be able to spot and react to signs with no delay. The specific shapes make it easier for drivers to quickly digest information, which could make the difference between crashing due to confusion and not crashing at all.
Advantages of Different Shapes of Traffic Signs:
- “Clarity: Shapes are generalised symbols but are inherently international and not specific to a certain demographic or area of the world.
- Visibility– Various shapes will catch the eye, either during the day or at night.
- Instant Understanding: The form of a sign can often instantly inform a driver if they must stop, yield or obey other specific instructions.
Conclusion
To sum up, ALL traffic signs that are giving orders – Traffic Signs, speed limits, no parking, etc. — are a different shape than square so drivers can immediately interpret exactly what is being asked of them. The octagon, the round, the triangle and the rectangle, and of course the diamond all ensure safety on our roads by telling drivers unambiguously what to do.
When you’re learning to drive, it is important to know what all the Traffic Signs mean—not only because it’s beneficial for the driving test, but also because it’s crucial to be a safe and reliable driver. Here at Learn and Drive UK, our driving lessons cover all aspects of learning and driving, making you feel confident in differentiating between Traffic Signs and their shapes and sizes, and in the ways that you may need to adapt to the amount of information being processed in a short space of time when out on the roads.
For further details, resources, and to book your driving lessons, please contact us at WWW.LearnandDrive.UK.