What is a Warning Sign

A warning sign is a type of sign which indicates a potential hazard, danger, obstacle, or condition requiring special attention. Some of this signs indicates hazards on roads that may not be readily apparent to a driver.

They are used to alert highway, street or road users to unexpected or dangerous conditions ahead that might call for a reduction of speed, situations that might not be readily apparent, or an action in the interest of safety and efficient traffic operations such as a curve, detour, sideroad, etc.

 

How to Identify a Warning Sign

While warning traffic sign designs vary, they usually take the shape of an equilateral triangle with a white background and thick red border.

Other times they could be made with a yellow or orange background with black symbols or letters on a diamond-shaped or rectangular sign. Yellow pennant-shaped signs caution motorists where passing is unsafe. Round yellow warning signs alert motorists that there’s a railroad crossing ahead.

 

Importance of Warning Signs

Warning signs play an important role in ensuring specific requirements related to design, reflectivity, height, and operations are met. The primary purpose is to ensure that the message is passed in a manner that is uniform and consistent no matter where they are placed.

 

Examples of Warning Signs

 

1. Caution Watch out for forklift

 

2. Dangerous Chemicals

 

3. Danger High Voltage

 

4. Dual Carriage Way Ends

 

5. Stop 100 Yard

 

6. Caution wet Floor

 

7. Warning Road Cross

 

8. Reduce Speed

 

9. Junction on Bend Ahead

 

10. Narrow Road on Both Sides Ahead

 

The list is not conclusive.

If you have noticed, all the sign has two (2) different specific configuration. Either they take the shape of an equilateral triangle with a white background and thick red border or has a yellow or orange background with black symbols or letters on a diamond-shaped or rectangular sign.

This alone will help you recognize a warning sign every time you need them.