Drivers Education Chapter 2 Signs Signals and Roadway

Driver’s Education Chapter 2 Signs, Signals, and Roadway Markings

Shapes and Color ¨ 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

Regulatory Signs ¨ 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.

Regulatory Signs ¨ 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

Regulatory Signs ¨ 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

Regulatory Signs ¨ 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 Basic Speed Law – you may not drive faster then is safe and prudent for existing conditions.

Regulatory Signs ¨ Other Signs ¨ Turns and Lanes ¨ One way ¨ Control parking and passing

Warning Signs ¨ 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 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

Construction Signs ¨ 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 Signs ¨ Railroad Crossing Sign – round yellow sign with a black X and 2 black R’s ¨ 250 ft before crossing in Urban area ¨ 750 ft before crossing is rural area ¨ Crossbuck – the crossing will be marked with the crossbuck and may have flashing red lights or a gate

Guide Signs ¨ 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

Traffic Lights ¨ Green Light – Only proceed when 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

Traffic Lights ¨ 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

Right Turn on Red ¨ This is making a right turn when the traffic signal is red. ¨ Treat light like stop sign ¨ If no turn on red sign is posted. You can not make the turn

Flashing Signals ¨ 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

Roadway Markings ¨ Gives you warning or direction. These are lines, words, or arrows painted on the roadway. ¨ Broken Yellow Line – separates two way traffic and may pass when no traffic is coming from the opposite direction

Roadway Markings ¨ Solid Yellow Line – indicates that passing is not allowed ¨ Turning left across a solid line is allowed after yielding to oncoming traffic

Roadway Markings ¨ 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

Roadway Markings ¨ 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

Roadway Markings ¨ 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

Roadway Markings ¨ 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