Driving Tip
Number 38
19 September 2008
A sign of the times
This week the DfT (Department for Transport) announced the intention to review traffic signs in a bid to reduce street clutter, congestion and C02 emissions. The IAM (Institute of Advanced Motorists) welcomed the review; maintaining good traffic signing makes driving safer and less stressful.
Too much “clutter” means motorists sometimes tend to ignore signs – but they are essential for smooth and safe driving. Signage has become diverse and motorists are expected to remember far more signs than ever before.
Motorists who years ago studied the Highway Code to pass their driving test rarely revisit the rules to refresh their memory on how to understand signage.It is highly unlikely that any motorist will know every sign – but motorists really need to know how the shape and colour of the sign effects what it is saying. Here are some reminders from the IAM on how to “decode” traffic signs and how to act on them.
Understanding the shapes
The shape of the sign indicates if it is either compulsory or advisory.Round signs, such as speed limit signs, are giving orders, triangles are there to give a warning i.e. give way or roundabout ahead, rectangle signs give information i.e. directions.
Know your colours
The colours used within a sign gives you further information.Red rings are regulatory signs and tell you what you must not do i.e. exceed 30mph, blue signs are used for information, except on motorways when they are used for directions, green rectangles are used to give directions on primary routes, brown rectangles indicate a tourist attraction.
Variable message signs (VMS)
VMS provide motorists with information and advice about emergencies, incidents and network management. Taking notice and acting on the information provided by the VMS motorists improves safety and minimises the impact of congestion.
Motorway exit signs
Motorway junction signposts are usually positioned one mile and half-a-mile in advance to give prior warning to motorists and enable them to select a suitable lane position early.Reminder signs appear 300, 200 and 100 yards before an exit.
Official signs provide the motorist with the information they need to be as safe as possible but sometimes unofficial signs can give you advanced warning of possible hazards ahead (a pub car park, for example, may have emerging traffic).
377 words
ENDS
Media contacts
IAM Media relations 020 8996 9777
Email enquiries@iam.org.uk
ISDN lines are available for interviews
ENDS ALL
NOTES TO EDITORS
The IAM (Institute of Advanced Motorists) directly influences the driving and riding of more than 160,000 road users a year (full members, associates and commercial clients) in the UK and Ireland. Established in 1956, the IAM is today best known for the advanced driving test and the advanced driving course. The IAM has grown to become the UK’s leading road safety charity, dedicated to raising driving standards, engaging with the road-using public and influencing road safety policy. IAM Fleet, the corporate arm of the IAM, has two subsidiary companies, Drive & Survive and Fleet Ireland.
A 2006 report by Brunel University, following an 18 month study, concluded that “advanced driver training produces safer drivers and lower accident involvement”, with measurable improvements in knowledge, skills and attitude. The “Driving Tips” provided by the IAM are part of our broader road safety mission and not intended as a substitute for the advanced driving course.
In January 2007, the IAM Motoring Trust was established as the research and advocacy arm of the IAM. The IAM Motoring Trust will undertake research, promote practical policies, act as an advocate for safer roads, safer drivers and safer vehicles and encourage responsible motoring through education and training.
