7. TRAFFIC SIGNS - Gnb.ca

Tra f f i c S igns77. TRAFFIC SIGNSMany collisions and near crashes occur as a result of drivers whoignore or fail to respond appropriately to traffic signs. It is essentialthat the meaning of traffic signs be interpreted correctly. Signsare classified according to their function: regulatory, warning andinformation.The easiest way to identify traffic signs is to learn to recognizetheir shapes and colours. For safe driving, you must recognize andobey traffic signs without hesitation.A sign-conscious driver is a safe driver. Keep a constant look-outfor signs as you move your eyes in the field of view ahead of you.7.1 Six Basic Sign Shapes Every Driver Must KnowStopThe stop sign, a red octagon with whitelettering, means come to a full stop and besure the way is clear before proceeding.YieldYield Right of Way signs are triangular andhave a red border on a white background.A yield sign means you must reduce speedwhen approaching an intersection. Give rightof way and stop if necessary if any other traffic is in, or closelyapproaching, the intersection.RegulatoryRegulatory signs are white rectangles orsquares with black or other coloured lettering.These signs state the law, such as speedlimits, parking regulations and turning andpassing movements.97

7Tra f f i c S i g n sWarningWarning signs are diamond shaped and are yellow or orangewith black letters or symbols. They warn of dangerous or unusualconditions ahead, such as a curve, turn, dip or side road.Railway CrossingThe crossbuck is the traditional symbol at roadway-railway crossings. Signs with ared reflective border on a white reflective background have replaced the older signwith “Railway Crossing” in black lettering.School ZoneThis five-side (pentagonal) sign indicates a school zone. When children are presentin a school zone, slow down, watch for children and exercise extreme caution. Themaximum speed permitted is 50 km/h unless otherwiseposted.Regardless of the speed limit posted in a school area,your speed must be reasonable and prudent for existingconditions.7.2 Standard Sign ColoursEach colour has a particular meaning.Red – Stop or prohibitionBlue – General information or service road informationGreen – Indicates traffic movement such as turns which arepermitted or directional guidanceYellow – General warning danger/cautionFluorescent Yellow – School zone and school crosswalk aheadsignsWhite – RegulatoryOrange – Construction and maintenance warningBrown – Off road facilities/motorist services98

Tra f f i c S igns77.3 Regulatory SignsRegulatory signs inform drivers of laws and regulations affectingthe use of the highway. It is an offence under the Motor Vehicle Actto disregard them.One-way streetor highwaySigns with a green circle givepermission, as indicatedSigns with a red circle with aslash deny permission,as indicatedPassing PermittedPassing Not PermittedHeavy trucks should usethis roadwayNo heavy trucks are allowedon roadwayDangerous goods routeDangerous goods carriersprohibitedTwo-way trafficThe maximum speed allowedunder ideal conditionsAdvance warning of a lowermaximum speed zone ahead99

7Tra f f i c S i g n sDo not enterKeep to the right of trafficislands or obstructionTruck inspection stationInspection station exitArrow indicates which sideof roadYou must not turn your vehiclearound in the roadway totravel in the opposite direction(no U-turn)Weight limit of vehiclepermitted on highway orbridge expressed in tonnesParking SignsParking prohibitedas indicated100Stopping prohibitedas indicated

Tra f f i c S ignsParking Signs7Lane Designation SignsThese signs may be mounted above (or to the side of) the roadway.When mounted above, each sign is centred over the lane it controls.These signs indicate pedestrianmovement, either at anintersection or mid-block.You must yield to pedestrianswithin the crosswalk.This lane must turn leftThis lane must turn rightThis lane left or throughThis lane right or throughThis lane left or rightThis lane all movementsThis lane through onlyTwo-way left turn lane101

7Tra f f i c S i g n sTurn Control SignsThese signs may be accompanied by a tab that indicates the sign is only ineffect during certain hours of the day.No right turn on redWait for green light beforemaking a right turn102No left turnThrough or Right turnNo right turnThrough or Left turnTurn left onlyTurn right onlyTurn right or leftNo turns

Tra f f i c S igns77.4 Warning SignsWarning signs are yellow and diamond shaped, and use symbolsinstead of words. They give warning of some condition of the roadahead that calls for special care on the part of the driver.Two-way traffic aheadObstructionPass to either sideStop sign aheadDivided highway beginsKeep to the rightDivided highway endsRoad surface slipperywhen wetTraffic signals aheadBe prepared to stopBump or rough road aheadSteep hill aheadShift to lower gear orslow down if going downvery steep hill103

7Tra f f i c S i g n sConcealed or hiddenintersection aheadRoad from right and/or leftRoad narrowsRoad ahead is not as wide asthe road you are driving onUnderpass aheadOverhead clearance as indicatedNarrow bridge aheadWidth of pavement narrowerthan approachWinding road aheadFirst curve rightLane endsRight lane endsCurve to the right aheadCheckerboardRoad ends or very sharp turnSection of roadway regularlycrossed by animal depictedReverse curve aheadTwo turns in opposite directionsseparated by a tangent of lessthan 120m, first turn rightSharp curveMaximum advised speed104

Tra f f i c S igns7Added laneTwo roads convergeand merging movementsare not requiredSurface subject to icingBridge or roadway surface maybe slippery at zero degreesCelsius - slow downRailway aheadRoad intersects with rail tracksahead at angle depictedSchool bus stop aheadStop for bus with flashing lightsPavement endsContinuation has gravel surfaceWarns of "T" intersectionRoad turns sharply rightand leftTwo lanes merge aheadTraffic entering from rightSnowmobile crossing aheadPedestrian crosswalk orcorridor aheadCattle crossing aheadPlayground aheadSchool crosswalk ahead105

7Tra f f i c S i g n sHazard MarkersChevron (arrowhead)Posted in groups to guidedrivers around sharp curvesin the roadHazard close tothe edge of the roadThe downward lines showthe side on which you maysafely passWarning sign onoverdimension loadsor on escort vehicles106Slow moving vehicleMounted on the rear of vehiclesthat travel at speedsless than 40 km/hIt warns drivers approachingfrom behind to slow down

Tra f f i c S igns7Construction SignsConstruction signs have black letters or symbols on an orangebackground.Construction aheadThis sign indicates you areentering a construction zoneDrive with extra caution andbe prepared for changes in thespeed limitRoad work aheadThis sign marks the beginningof an ORANGE ZONE wherespeed limit is 60 km/hor less when passinghighway workersSurvey crew aheadThe maximum speed is60 km/h when passing crewsor equipment engaged inwork on the highwaysTraffic control person aheadBe prepared to stop forinstructionsTruck entrance left/rightThe location at which trucks areentering, leaving or crossingPavement drop-offThis sign warns motorists thatthey are on or approaching asection of roadway where eitherthe adjacent lane or shoulder orboth are lower or higher thanthe motorist's travel laneDetour ahead107

7Tra f f i c S i g n s7.5 Railway CrossingsThe deadliest of all highway collisions is that which occursbetween a motor vehicle and a train. Railway / highway crossingcollisions should never occur. Public railway/highway crossingsare marked with signs, and may also have mechanical or electricalwarning devices, for your protection. Learn what they are andwatch for them.Advance Warning SignsThese signs tell you to look, listen and slow down because you may have to stop. There may be anadvisory speed sign erected below the advance warning sign to show that the safe road speed isless than the posted speed.Pavement MarkingsPavement markings consist of an “X” and/or stop line that may be painted on the pavement atthe approach to some railway/highway crossings.Railway Crossing SignsRailway Crossing Signs are found at all public railway/highway crossings. A RailwayCrossing Sign means drivers must yield to all trains. If there is more than one track, thesign below the Railway Crossing Sign indicates the number of tracks.Railway Crossing Signs With a Stop SignIf a stop sign is erected at a railway/highway crossing, the driver must stop no closerthan five (5) metres from the nearest rail. Drivers must not proceed until they can do sosafely.Railway Crossing Signs with Flashing Lights and BellIf flashing lights and bells are erected at a railway / highway crossing, the drivermust stop when the lights and bell are activated because this means that a train isapproaching. All drivers must stop at the stop line painted on the roadway or, if none exists, nocloser than five metres from nearest rail. Do not proceed until the lights and bells have stopped,the train has passedor until you can doso safely. If there ismore than one track, make sure all the tracks are clear before crossing. Drivers have started acrossthe tracks right after a train has gone by only to be struck by a second train coming from theopposite direction.108

Tra f f i c S igns77.6 Guide SignsGuide signs are essential to guide the motorist along establishedroads, to inform him/her of intersecting roads, and generally togive such information as will help the driver along his/her way inthe most simple, direct method possible.Trans Canada highwayArterial highwayHospitalAirportPlane points direction to airportLocal airportCollector highwayLocal highway109

7Tra f f i c S i g n s7.7 Information SignsThese signs are square in shape. They indicate the location ofvarious facilities.MuseumAccommodationsGasolineFoodPicnic facilitiesTourist informationCampground110

Traffic Signs 7 101 Parking Signs Lane Designation Signs These signs may be mounted above (or to the side of) the roadway. When mounted above, each sign is centred over the lane it controls. These signs indicate pedestrian movement, either at an intersection or mid-block. You must yield to pedestrians within the crosswalk.