Why Road Signs Are Important

Think about how many other cars, pedestrians, motorcycles, and bicycles you see daily on your commute to work and back. Now imagine a world without road signs to help guide everybody along. It stands to reason it would be a real mess.

That is why you will find an assortment of road signs in Washington on almost every road. From speed limits to construction warnings, these signs help create a steady and safe flow of traffic that ensures everybody traveling the roadway knows what they are supposed to be doing.

 

There are many different types of road signs you might come across on your travels. Some of the most common types include:

 

Regulatory Signs – These signs are used to regulate the speed and flow of traffic. They include stop, yield, speed limit, one-way, and road closed signs.

 

Warning Signs – These warning signs are usually diamond-shaped and bright yellow. They are used to warn drivers of such things as railroad crossings, bicycle crossings, and merging traffic.

 

Pedestrian & Bicycle Signs – These signs show where pedestrian crosswalks are as well as where bike lanes begin and end.

 

Guide Signs – These signs are used to help you figure out where you are and where you are going. They can include destination distance signs, roadway junction signs, highway exit signs, and mile markers.

 

Motorist Services & Recreation Signs – These signs are used to indicate recreation areas, including gas stations, rest areas, campgrounds, and emergency services.

 

School Signs – These signs warn drivers when there is a school nearby. They usually direct the driver to drop their speeds or to watch for children and pedestrians.