Chapter 2Signs, Signals, and Roadway Markings

Intro. to road signs!!!!!!!!11/1/12Why do you think road signs are important on the roadway? What purpose do you think they serve?

Each sign shape and color has a special meaning. By knowing the meaning of these shapes and colors, you can get valuable information from a sign, even at a distance

Regulatory Sign – such as a stop sign, controls traffic

Warning Sign – alerts you to possible hazards and road conditions ahead

Guide Sign – Give directions

Stop Sign – red octagon with white letters and border

Must always come to a full stop

Once stopped you must yield the right of way to pedestrians or other vehicles.

Right of way – means that you accept the privilege of immediate use of the roadway

4 way stop (all way stop) First driver stopped

goes first Vehicles stopped at the

same time, vehicle on right goes first

Driver turning left should wait for driver going straight

Yield Sign – red and white triangle

Always slow or stop, and give the right of way to traffic when approaching

Can proceed without completely stopping, but always be prepared to stop

Proceed without affecting the flow of traffic

Speed Limit Sign – used to manage traffic flow at safe speeds

Speed limits are for ideal driving conditions

Minimum Speed Limits – Set on expressways to keep traffic moving safely

Advisory speed limits – set for special conditions like sharp curves and school zones

Other Signs Turns and Lanes One way Control parking

and passing

Diamond Shaped Warning Signs - most are diamond shaped with yellow background and black lettering

Warn of danger ahead

Be prepared to slow or stop when you see a warning sign

School Zone – is a portion of a street or highway near a school that is subject to special speed limits

School Crossing – is a intersection or crossing used by school children

An orange sign in a diamond or rectangle shape

Be ready to stop, slow, or drive around workers and equipment

Follow directions from signs and workers direction traffic

New Jersey increases fines for violations in construction zones

Railroad Crossing Sign – round yellow sign with a black X and 2 black R’s

250 ft before crossing in Urban area

750ft before crossing is rural area

Crossbuck – the crossing will be marked with the crossbuck and may have flashing red lights or a gate

Local, state, and interstate routes are posted with route signs

Signs vary according to the type of roadway

Green signs provide information on destinations

Blue signs guide you to services near the highway

Brown signs indicate a point of interest

Green Light – Only proceed when the intersection is clear.

Check traffic on all sides before entering intersection When approaching light that has been green awhile,

but prepared for the light to turn yellow The green light will be on the bottom of the traffic

signal Yellow Light – Make every effort to stop a safely for a

yellow light. If you are to close to stop safely, proceed with caution

and exit the intersection before the light turns red The yellow light will appear in the middle of the traffic

signal

Red Light – You must come to a full stop. Stop behind line, crosswalk, or before entering intersection if no lines.

Top light on traffic signal

This is making a right turn when the traffic signal is red.

Treat light like stop sign

If no turn on red d]sign is posted. You can not make the turn

Alerts drivers to dangerous conditions ahead or tells them to stop

Flashing red light make full stop

Flashing yellow, slow down and be prepared to stop

Gives you warning or direction. These are lines, words, or arrows painted on the roadway.

Broken Yellow Line – separates two way traffic and my pass when no traffic is coming from the opposite direction

Solid Yellow Line – indicates that passing is not allowed

Turning left across a solid line is allowed after yielding to oncoming traffic

Broken White lines – separate lanes of traffic moving in the same direction

Solid white lines keep drivers in their lanes and you should not cross them

Solid white lines are also used in crosswalks and stop lines

*on a hill or a curve, or at any time sight lines are impeded

*at a street crossing or intersection

*at a railroad crossing

*on narrow bridges, or in an underpass and tunnels

*when a sign prohibits passing or center lines restrict passing

*when behind a vehicle that has stopped to let a pedestrian cross

White arrows in lanes tell you when and where to turn

If you are in a lane with an arrow you must continue in the direction of the arrow

Rumble Strips – are short sections of corrugated roadway

They alert you by noise when you drive over them

Also used before unexpected stops like a toll plaza

Curbs alongside a road may be painted to indicate warnings or that parking is not permitted

Also check for signs that say handicapped parking only

Interstate highways are identified on signs with what kind of shape?

A. Triangular B. Round C. Square D. Shield

A solid line and a broken painted on the center of the roadway of a two-lane highway means passing is

A. Allowed only when the solid line is on your side

B. Not allowed for you when the solid line is on the other side

C. Not allowed when the solid line is on your side.

D. Allowed in either direction

The purpose of traffic signs are A. To direct, to decide, to stop B. To observe, to direct, to guide C. To stop, to warn, to decide D. To regulate, to warn, to guide

Interstate route signs A. Vary according to the type of

roadway B. Vary from state to state C. May be combined with information

about city streets D. All the above are correct.

A sign with an orange background in a diamond or rectangular shape indicates a

A. Recreation area B. Speed zone C. Construction zone D. School zone