TRAFFIC SIGNS

Concept:

Traffic signs, like traffic signal lights and road markings are of used to convey quickly and
accurately the wide range of information needed by road users, particularly vehicle drivers, and
the wide range to promote a safe and efficient use of the road system.

Traffic Signs refer to any device mounted on portable support whereby a message is
conveyed by means of words or symbols officially installed for the purpose of regulating,
warning, or warning, or guiding traffic.

Traffic signs are installed to serve the following functions: 1) to control traffic, 2) to safeguard
the flow of traffic, 3) to expedite traffic, and 4) to guide traffic and motorists.

• Standardization of traffic signs shall conform to the standards set forth in the erection
and display of standard road signs and markers as prescribed by the DPWH as to
shape, color, dimension, shape, size, height, letterings or symbols.

• Traffic signs shall be installed only under public authority or by the official having
jurisdiction for that purpose, and it shall not bear any commercial advertisement.
• A thorough knowledge of traffic signs, signals and road and pavement markings is
necessary to all drivers. Every motorist must be able to recognize and obey them without
hesitation even with the absence of traffic police officer.
• The Philippines follows its rules towards traffic and road signs from the Vienna
Convention on Road Signs and Signals, alongside with other countries such India,
Greece and Italy.

It has been adopted very likely because it is understood practically by every motorist
regardless of nationalities. These are sign shapes are:

1. ROUND AND RED SIGN- regulates the movement of turning and passing traffic
regulations;
2. ROUND AND YELLOW SIGNS – a warning that you are approaching a railroad crossing.
 3. EQUILATERAL TRIANGLE RED SIGNS – a sign at the intersection directing drivers to
yield the right-of-way to vehicles in the road being crossed.
4. EIGHT-SIDED (OCTAGONAL) RED AND WHITE STOP SIGN – the most popular and
understood sign by all tongues and colors; and
5. TRIANGLE RED AND BLACK SIGN – approaching a danger zone, hill, slope, winding
road, and others.

The Vienna Convention on Road Signs and Signals is an international treaty designed to
increase road safety and aid international road traffic by standardizing the signing system for road
traffic (road signs, traffic lights, and road markings) in use internationally.

The Convention classify all road signs into a number of categories:

1. DANGER WARNING SIGNS

2. PRIORITY SIGNS

3. PROHIBITORY OR REGULATORY SIGNS

4. MANDATORY SIGNS

5. INFORMATION, FACILITIES OR SERVICE SIGNS

Classification of International Traffic Signs

International traffic signs are classified into three. These are:

1) danger warning signs, 2) regulatory signs, and 3) informative signs.

1. Danger Warning Signs.

These signs are also known as "caution signs." These signs have an equilateral
triangular shape with one side horizontal and having red borders.
These are signs intended to:

a. warn motorist of approaching hazardous road conditions,

b. seek caution for the approaching road hazards, and
C. call the reduction of speed.

2. Regulatory Signs.

These are signs which impose legal restrictions applicable at particular location usually
enforceable in the absence of such signs. These are intended to:

a. inform road users of certain laws and regulations, and

b. special obligations, instructions, or prohibitions which they must comply with and violations of
which constitute misdemeanor.

Regulatory signs are usually round in shape with the exception of "Stop Signs" and
"Yield Signs". These signs are further classified into two:
a. prohibitive and restrictive signs, and
b. mandatory signs.

3. Informative Signs.

These signs are also known as guide signs", or "direction signs." The rectangular shape
white-colored on blue background is used for informative signs. and destination signs. Green
background is usually used for route markers Informative signs are intended to:

a. guide motorists along established routes,

b. inform the motorists of the proper roads, and
C. help motorists along the way in the most simple and direct method.
PAVEMENT MARKINGS AND MARKERS
Concept

Pavement Markings and Markers. The pavements of all main highways have certain markings
to help you drive safely. Those include the center lane lines, barrier lines, and directional
arrows, depending upon the type of highway and the needs for such markings to make the road
safe under varying conditions.

A. Pavement Markings Defined. These pertain to all lines, patterns, words, colors, or other
gadgets except signs set into the surface or applied upon or attached to the pavement or
curbing or to objects within or adjacent to the roadway, officially placed for the purpose of
regulating, warning or guiding traffic.

Similarly, pavement markings are standardized as to color and location to conform to

international standards. Basically, pavement markings are placed on the roadway to convey
warning or information to the road users without diverting his attention
from the roadway under favorable condition.

Knowledge of the purpose and use of each type of marking is important in order for motorists to
drive safely. Failure either intentionally or by ignorance to observe the lines can prove
disastrous.

B. Types of Pavement Markings and Markers. Pavement markings and markers are further
classified into the following depending on their purpose and location of placement.
1. Pavement Markings. These are the lines usually white and yellow or a combination of yellow
and white officially set on the roadway as separation for motor vehicles traveling in the opposite
direction or the same direction in case of two- lane one-way street, two-lane two-way street or
four-lane two-way street.

2. Curb Marking for Restrictions. These are markings placed on the curbs or edges of the
traffic for restriction or for parking regulation purposes.

3. Objects Markings. These are markings placed on objects on the road or beside the road like
humps, rocks or similar hazardous objects on the side of the road.

4. Reflectorized Markings. These are markings or gadgets designed to reflect and become
luminous when hit by vehicle’s headlight.

C. Specific Meaning of Pavement Markings. Pavement markings vary depending on the

traffic regulations in its location or depending on the road or traffic condition.

1. Single White Dotted Line. This pavement marking indicates the following:

a. on two-lane road, it separates traffic moving in opposite directions.

b. overtaking is possible when other lane is clear of oncoming possible.

2. Single White Continuous Line in a Two-lane Traffic Way. This line indicates the following:

a. separates traffic moving in opposite direction.

b. could be found in road sections that are dangerous.

c. passing and overtaking can be made but ONLY under circumstances when there is no
oncoming traffic.

3. Single Continuous Line on a Four-lane Road. This sign when found on four-lane streets,
indicate:

a. when there are slow and fast lanes, NEVER overtake by passing over the solid white line.

b. lanes 1 and 4 (outer lanes) for slow moving vehicles. Vehicles on this lane should not be
BELOW the minimum speed limit.
c. lanes 2 and 3 (inner lanes) are usually for faster moving vehicles.

4. Double Yellow Line or Double Whit Line. A double yellow or white line with a dotted line in
between means:

a. ABSOLUTELY NO OVERTAKING.

b. overtaking is extremely dangerous.

c. stay in your lane until you pass the end of the solid lines.

5. Single Yellow/White Line. A yellow or white line with a dotted white line means:

a. that you cannot overtake if the solid line is on your side.

b. if you overtake, return to your lane BEFORE the solid line.

6. Yellow Continuous Line on Road Provided with a Passing Lane. This line indicates the
following:

a. these are common on mountain road.

b. slow moving vehicles such as buses and

c. heavy trucks should always use the outer lane.

7. Crosswalk or Pedestrian Lane. This pavement marking indicates the following:

a. for pedestrian to cross.

b. stop for pedestrians on an intersection with no traffic light.

c. DO NOT STOP on pedestrian lane especially to load or unload passengers.

d. pedestrians should ALWAYS cross a street on a crosswalk.

8. Directional Arrows. These pavement markings indicate the following traffic regulations

a. directions of permitted traffic movement.

b. when approaching intersections where pavement arrows are used, you should enter the lane
where the arrows points in the direction you want to go.
9. Stop Lines. These are painted across pavement lanes at traffic signs or signals. Where
these lines are present, you should stop line.

10. The Barrel Lines. A new concept in reducing the seriousness of accidents. The barrels are
engineered to act as impact cushion. Usually installed in front of a solid obstacle or traffic island
at an area of high accident frequency.