Class Three – Road Signs, Signals, and Road Markings
Introduction
Road signs, signals, and markings are the communication system of the road. They provide important information, warn of hazards, and regulate traffic. Every driver must know how to recognize and obey them in order to stay safe and follow the law.
Objectives
By the end of this class, students will be able to:
1. Identify the three main categories of road signs: regulatory, warning, and guide signs.
2. Understand the meaning of different traffic signals and arrows.
3. Recognize the importance of pavement markings and how they guide safe driving.
4. Apply this knowledge to real-world driving situations.
Learning Outcomes
Students will:
• Describe the purpose of road signs, signals, and markings.
• Match common signs to their meanings.
• Demonstrate how to respond properly to different traffic signals.
• Explain what solid lines, broken lines, arrows, and crosswalk markings mean.
Lesson Breakdown
1. Road Signs
• Regulatory Signs: Tell you what you must do (Stop, Yield, Speed Limit, No U-turn).
• Warning Signs: Alert you to hazards ahead (curves, school zones, pedestrian crossings).
• Guide Signs: Provide directions, distances, and services (green for directions, blue for services, brown for recreation).
2. Traffic Signals
• Red Light: Stop.
• Yellow Light: Prepare to stop.
• Green Light: Go when safe.
• Arrows: Provide direction-specific control (protected left turns, flashing yellow arrows).
• Flashing Signals: Flashing red = stop sign; flashing yellow = caution.
3. Road Markings
• Solid White Lines: Stay in your lane; lane changes discouraged.
• Broken White Lines: Lane changes allowed.
• Solid Yellow Lines: No passing.
• Broken Yellow Lines: Passing permitted when safe.
• Crosswalks & Stop Lines: Indicate where vehicles must stop.
• Arrows: Indicate turning or lane use.
Why This Matters
• Signs, signals, and markings keep traffic organized and predictable.
• Misunderstanding them can lead to tickets, collisions, or failed driving exams.
• Safe drivers use them to anticipate hazards and make smart decisions.
Conclusion
Road signs, signals, and markings are the visual rules of the road. By learning to read and obey them, you’ll communicate effectively with other drivers and navigate safely in any driving environment.