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Road Signs

by Elizabeth Morgan

Countries, states and provinces have different markers on their highways, but use standard ones on all federal highways. Below are the kinds of road signs they use:

Traffic signs. These signs are used to indicate the order in which vehicles should pass intersection points. This kind of road sign became even more important when production of automobiles continued to grow in number. The materials used in traffic signs have evolved from wood to metal. They are coated with retro-reflective sheeting of various types to provide better visibility during nighttime.

Regulatory signs. Regulatory signs are signs that are usually seen with white letters on red- or black-colored road signs. The intention is to instruct road users on what they must or should do (or not do) given set of circumstances.

Warning signs. This kind of road sign indicates that there is ‘hazard ahead' on the road. It is an equilateral triangle with red border and white background.

Priority signs. Priority signs are used to regulate the right-of-way. The priority road has a yellow diamond with a white border sign.

Other signs. Other important signs include the international yield signs. These are the signs you see with downward triangles design. There are also the prohibitory or restrictive signs, which are usually circular with red borders. Most of these signs have white or yellow background with a slash going from the upper right to the lower left. Finally, there are the mandatory signs, which are usually circular with blue backgrounds and red diagonal slash.

New generations of road signs are now placed on big electronic displays. They use sensors and remote controls, so they are fairly accurate. With all these road signs, everyday road traffic is made particularly easy and regulated. Possible road mishaps are avoided as well. That is, if you follow these signs properly.

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