Traffic signs – seen and understood?

 08 September 2011

 This week IAM chief examiner Peter Rodger offers drivers advice on dealing with road signs:

• Look well ahead to see road signs the more time you give yourself to see them the better. They give important information and guidance on hazards, road layouts and directions dont ignore them.
• Be especially careful where there are temporary signs they are there for a specific reason.
• If a sign is unclear because of wear or leaves and branches, slow down to give yourself time to react to unexpected hazards.
• Five minutes spent with the Highway Code can make understanding of signs much clearer.
• If you notice a sign that is misspelt, is misleading, overcrowded or hidden by dirt and foliage, report it to the council. The message has to be clear so that drivers can act on them immediately.
• Read the road signs to double check your route dont rely too heavily on your sat-nav in case things have changed.
• Never make a last minute manoeuvre that could be dangerous, such as a sharp turn, sudden braking or a u-turn. Drive on until you find a safe place to turn around.

Rodger said: Good traffic signs make driving safer, less stressful and save fuel. In a recent poll less than 20 per cent of respondents felt foliage clearance was being done well, so be prepared to slow down and deal with unexpected hazards.

ENDS

Notes to editors:

1.     Peter Rodger is the IAMs chief examiner.

2.     The IAM is the UKs largest independent road safety charity, dedicated to improving standards and safety in driving, motorcycling and cycling. The commercial division of the IAM operates through its occupational driver training company IAM Drive & Survive. The IAM has more than 200 local volunteer groups and over 100,000 members in the UK and Ireland. It is best known for the advanced driving test and the advanced driving, motorcycling and cycling courses. Its policy and research division offers advice and expertise on road safety.

ENDS ALL

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