Road signs play a vital role in guiding and alerting road users in India about potential hazards, traffic rules, road information, and directions. It helps road users anticipate road conditions, recognize potential dangers, and navigate smoothly, reducing the risk of road accidents, injury, property damage, and fatalities.
Types of Road Signals:
Mandatory Road signs (circle shape) indicate instructions that must be followed.
Examples: –
- Keep Left
- Keep Right
- Straight Ahead
- Turn Left/Right
- Pedestrian Crossing
- Cycle Lane
- Bus Lane
- One-way
- Speed Limits
- No Entry
Warning Road Signs (Triangular Shape): Warn about upcoming hazards.
Examples:-
- Curve Ahead
- Intersection Ahead
- Pedestrian Crossing
- School Zone
- Animal Crossing
- Construction Work Ahead
- Traffic Signal Ahead
- Narrow Bridge
- Steep Ascent/Descent
- Flood-prone Area
Informative Road Signs (Rectangular Shape): Provide useful information.
Examples:-
- Directional Signs (city, town, landmark)
- Distance Signs (Kilometers)
- Highway Signs (NH, SH, etc.)
- Tourist Information Signs
- Food, lodging, restroom signs
- Emergency Care Signs (Hospital, Ambulance, Police, Fire Brigade)
- #RoadSafety
Prohibitory/Universal Road Signs (Octagonal Shape): These are used for specific instructions like “Stop.”
Examples:-
- Stop
- No Entry
- No Left/Right Turn
- No U-Turn
- No Parking
- No Stopping
- No Honking
- Speed Limit
- No Overtaking
Placement Distances for Road Signs in India:
City Roads: 50 meters before the hazard.
National Highways: 100 meters before the hazard.
Express Highways: 200 meters before the hazard.
Why Road Signals Are Often Ignored in India
- Lack of Road Safety Awareness
- Normalization of rule-breaking
- Insufficient Enforcement
- Poor road conditions and inadequate road signage.
- Lack of community engagement and ownership
- Risk-taking behaviours and overconfidence in driving skills.https://morth.nic.in/sites/default/files/road_safety_books.pdf
Road chevrons are a silent sign language on the road that silently communicates crucial information to road users, alerting them to follow traffic rules, and regulations and anticipate potential hazards. However, in India, many road users fail to adhere to these road signals, which often leads to road accidents, injuries, and even fatalities.
By following road signs, you can avoid accidents, penalties, and serious consequences.
Drive Safe, Stay Safe!
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