Warning signs

By the end of this topic you can

• You can recognize the main warning signs and say what each one means.
• You can adjust your speed and position before a curve, hill or intersection.
• You can prepare to merge or let others merge when warned.
• You can use an advisory speed plate as a guide for a safe speed.
• You can spot school, pedestrian and railroad warnings early.

What you need to know and understand

• Most warning signs are yellow diamonds.
• An advisory speed plate under a warning sign suggests a safe speed; it is not the legal limit.
• A round yellow sign means a railroad crossing is ahead.
• A five-sided fluorescent yellow-green sign means a school is near.
• A Lane Ends or lane reduction sign means the marked lane is ending and drivers in it must merge.
• An Added Lane sign means two roads join and you do not need to merge.
• A Signal Ahead or Stop Ahead sign means be ready to stop.

Road shape and surface

• Curve or sharp turn: slow down before the bend, not in it.
• Winding road: a series of curves; keep your speed low throughout.
• Reverse curve: the road bends one way, then the other.
• Chevrons: the sharp curve or change of direction is right here.
• Hill: steep grade ahead; check your speed and gear.
• Slippery when wet: allow more distance and avoid sudden moves in rain.
• Low clearance: the bridge or overpass ahead may be too low for tall vehicles.

Intersections, merges and lane changes

Crossroad and side road signs warn that traffic may enter from the side. Look ahead and cover your brake. A Merge sign shows traffic joining from the side. Adjust your speed and leave a gap so others can enter safely.

A Lane Ends sign means the lane shown is about to end, and drivers in it must merge into the through lane. If you are in the ending lane, signal and merge early. If you are in the through lane, help by keeping a steady speed and space. Divided Highway Begins or Ends signs tell you a median is starting or ending, so oncoming traffic may soon be next to you.

People, animals and trains

Pedestrian, bicycle and school signs often use fluorescent yellow-green so they stand out. When you see one, slow down and scan the sidewalks and crossings. Deer and other animal crossing signs mark places where wildlife often crosses, especially at dawn and dusk. A round railroad advance sign warns of a crossing ahead: look, listen and be ready to stop.

Common mistakes

• Braking hard in the middle of a curve. Slow down before you enter it.
• Treating an advisory speed as a target in bad weather. Go slower if conditions are poor.
• Waiting until the last moment to merge when your lane ends. Merge early and smoothly.
• Ignoring wildlife signs at dusk. Slow down and use high beams when no one is ahead.
• Assuming a crossing with no train in sight is safe. Look and listen every time.

Test yourself: Warning signs

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

Go deeper

• Drowsy Driving