Warning signs

By the end of this topic you can

• You can recognize common warning signs by their symbols.
• You can adjust speed and position before reaching the hazard.
• You can use advisory speed tabs to choose a safe speed for curves and ramps.
• You can tell permanent warnings from temporary orange work zone signs.

What you need to know and understand

• Most warning signs are yellow diamonds with black symbols or words.
• Temporary warnings for road work, detours and lane closures are orange.
• A small rectangular tab under a curve sign often shows a recommended speed for that curve.
• Warning signs are placed ahead of the hazard so you have time to slow down smoothly.
• Wildlife crossing signs mark areas where animals often cross; be especially alert at dawn and dusk.
• A school zone or crossing ahead is shown with the five-sided fluorescent yellow-green sign.

The road ahead changes shape

• Curve or sharp turn: slow down before the bend, not in it.
• Winding road: a series of curves; keep your speed down until it ends.
• Hill or steep grade: check your speed on the way down and use a lower gear if needed.
• Lane ends or road narrows: check mirrors and merge early and smoothly.
• Divided highway begins or ends: watch for the change to two-way traffic.
• Chevron signs on the outside of a bend: they mark a sharp curve; follow them around.

Something might cross your path

• Hidden intersection or side road: watch for vehicles pulling out.
• Traffic signals ahead: be ready for a red light around a bend or over a hill.
• Stop sign ahead: start slowing early.
• Deer, moose or other wildlife: scan the roadsides and the ditch.
• Pedestrian or bicycle crossing: be ready to stop.
• Railway crossing ahead: slow down, look and listen.

The surface may let you down

Some signs warn about grip rather than shape. Slippery when wet, bridge ices before road, pavement ends and bump signs all mean the same thing: slow down before you reach the problem and avoid sudden braking or steering on it.

If you are tired on a long drive, you are more likely to miss warning signs. Take breaks and stop when you feel drowsy.

How to respond, step by step

1. Read the sign and work out what hazard is coming.
2. Check your mirrors.
3. Ease off and brake gently while the road is still straight and grippy.
4. Position the car where you can see as far as possible.
5. Keep scanning until you are past the hazard.

Common mistakes

• Braking hard in the middle of a curve. Slow down before it starts.
• Ignoring wildlife signs because you have never seen an animal there.
• Treating an advisory speed as too cautious. It is set for that curve in good conditions.
• Missing signs because you are looking only at the car ahead. Scan far ahead and to the sides.

Test yourself: Warning signs

Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.

Go deeper

• Drowsy Driving in Canada