When most people think of road signage, they think of them as yet another sign … however the importance of road signs are often underestimated.
Without road signs there would be chaos on our roads ranging from drivers getting lost on route to their destination, drivers getting a speeding fine in the mail or even as serious as an accident or injury.
It is important to remember that road signs are not just crucial to drivers but to all road users and this includes pedestrians and cyclists.
Here at Signs & Lines we understand the importance of road signs and take our manufacturing authority seriously.
Why Road Signs?
Here are our top 4 reasons why road signs are important:
Warning drivers:
Warnings signs are crucial for highlighting potential hazards, obstacles or a change in road conditions to drivers. They warn drivers that there is a potential hazard to be aware of even if the driver can’t see it immediately. As some hazards are hidden or in a blind spot in the road, the warning signs gives the driver a “heads-up” that it is coming and allows them the opportunity to adjust accordingly.
Provide direction:
Directional road signs have been around long before the invention and use of GPS technology. Street signs and directional signs play an important part in directing road users to their destination effectively and safely.
Universally understandable:
The specific design elements of a road sign is no coincidence. Road signs rely heavily on symbols or pictures to convey a message as opposed to just wording, this allows users across the globe to understand what message the signs is trying to convey without necessarily speaking the language. Not only do the symbols have a significant impact on a sign’s legibility, so do the colours. Red is universally known as stop, yield or dangerous, whereas yellow typically means be cautious or aware
Reduce accidents and injuries:
The most important impact road signs have is that they reduce accidents and injuries. Road signs help minimise the risk and possibility of accidents occurring by clearly conveying important information to road users such as the speed limit, a stop sign, change in road conditions and warnings signs of a potential hazard.
Types of road signs:
Here in Western Australia, we have 5 main road sign categories. Each category serves a different purpose and has a different set of manufacturing requirements as set out by Main Roads.
Regulatory signs
The main purpose of regulatory signs is to inform road users of their legal obligation under traffic laws or legislation. If the road users disregards the information on the sign, it is classed as an offence.
Regulatory signs include speed limit signs, stop signs, parking signs and emergency vehicle lane only signs.
Warning signs
As the name suggests, the primary purpose of warnings signs is to warn the road users of a potential hazard. This can include signs such as rough surface signs, horse riders in the area or that trucks are prohibited ahead.
Guide signs
Are there to provide direction to road users regarding the route they are on, distances or how to get to their key destination. Guide signs also include service and tourist signs.
Temporary signs
The main purpose of temporary signs is to communicate a temporary message. These signs are usually economical and transportable and included signs such as detour ahead or road closures.
Hazard marker signs
Are responsible for bringing the road users attention to a change in the direction they are travelling in or any up and coming obstructions. Hazard markers can include T-junction signs and dead-end signs.
If you are curious to hear more about our road sign journey, head over and read about our accreditation process.
How to get in touch?
If you are looking for road signage for your next project, make us your first stop and get in touch today!
You can also read our case study on our road signage projects for inspiration.
+61 8 9274 5151