ROAD SAFETY

ENGINEERING (OE805CE)

Unit 4: Road Signs and Road Markings

Syllabus
Road Signs and Road Markings: Role of Road Signs, Classifications,
Cautionary Signs, Regulatory Signs, Informatory Signs, Role of Road
Markings, Classifications: Longitudinal Marking. Markings for
Hazardous Locations, Marking at Intersection.
Road Sign
• Road signs serve to ensure road safety, regulate traffic flow, and
provide information to drivers and pedestrians by conveying
instructions, warnings, and guidance through standardized symbols
and colors.
Road sign primary functions
1. Ensuring Safety
2. Regulating Traffic Flow
3. Providing Guidance & Information
4. Enhancing Efficiency
5. Supporting Pedestrian and Cyclist Safety
Ensuring Safety

• Warning Signs: Alert road users about potential hazards such as sharp
turns, pedestrian crossings, or slippery roads.
• Regulatory Signs: Indicate rules that must be followed, such as speed
limits, stop signs, and no-entry zones.
Regulating Traffic Flow

• Help prevent congestion by directing vehicles appropriately (e.g., one-

way signs, lane usage signs).
• Maintain order at intersections with stop signs, yield signs, and traffic
signals.
Providing Guidance & Information

• Guide travelers with signs for directions, distances, and destinations.

• Indicate locations of services such as hospitals, gas stations, and rest
areas.
Enhancing Efficiency

• Help drivers make quick decisions by clearly marking exits, detours,

and road conditions.
• Support emergency response by marking evacuation routes and
emergency phone locations.
Supporting Pedestrian and Cyclist Safety

• Indicate pedestrian crossings, bicycle lanes, and school zones to

ensure safety for non-motorized road users.
Classifications of road signs
1. Regulatory Signs (Control Traffic Behavior)
2. Warning Signs (Alert of Potential Hazards)
3. Informational/Guide Signs (Provide Directions and Assistance)
Regulatory Signs (Control Traffic Behavior)

• These signs inform road users about laws and regulations that must be
followed. They are usually circular in shape and use red, white, and
black colors.
• Mandatory Signs: Indicate rules that must be obeyed (e.g., Stop, Give
Way, Speed Limit).
• Prohibitory Signs: Indicate restrictions (e.g., No U-Turn, No Parking,
No Entry).
• Priority Signs: Assign the right of way (e.g., Stop Sign, Yield Sign).
Warning Signs (Alert of Potential Hazards)

• These signs warn drivers about possible dangers on the road ahead.
They are typically triangular with a yellow background and black
symbols.
• Examples:
• Slippery Road
• Sharp Curve Ahead
• Pedestrian Crossing
• Animal Crossing
Informational/Guide Signs (Provide Directions and Assistance)

• These signs help road users find destinations, services, and important
locations. They are usually rectangular and come in various colors
(green, blue, brown).
• Direction Signs: Show distances and directions to cities, towns, or
landmarks.
• Service Signs: Indicate locations of fuel stations, hospitals, parking,
and rest areas.
• Tourist Signs: Provide information about historical sites and
attractions.
Cautionary Signs (Warning Signs) ⚠️
• Cautionary signs are designed to warn road users about potential
hazards ahead. They help drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians take
necessary precautions to avoid accidents.
Cautionary Signs Characteristics:
• Shape: Usually triangular.
• Color: Yellow background with a black border and symbols.
• Purpose: Alert road users about dangers like sharp curves, pedestrian
crossings, or animal crossings.
Examples of Cautionary Signs:

• Sharp Turn Ahead – Warns about a sudden curve in the road.

• Slippery Road – Indicates a road surface that may be slippery due to
rain, oil, or ice.Pedestrian
• Crossing – Alerts drivers to areas where pedestrians may be crossing.
• School Zone – Warns about children crossing near schools.
• Road Work Ahead – Indicates ongoing construction or maintenance
work.
Examples of Cautionary Signs:

• Railway Crossing – Alerts drivers to upcoming train tracks, with or

without barriers.
• Falling Rocks – Indicates an area prone to rockslides.
• Hump or Bump Ahead – Warns about speed bumps or uneven roads.
• Cattle Crossing – Indicates areas where livestock or animals may cross
the road.
• Narrow Bridge – Warns about a bridge that has reduced width for
vehicles.
Importance of Cautionary Signs:
• Helps prevent accidents by providing early warnings.

• Assists drivers in adjusting speed and driving behavior.

• Ensures the safety of pedestrians, cyclists, and animals.

Regulatory Signs 🚦🚫
• Regulatory signs are used to control and regulate traffic behavior by
enforcing laws and rules that road users must obey. These signs help
maintain order, prevent accidents, and ensure smooth traffic flow.
Regulatory Signs Characteristics:

• Shape: Usually circular (except for STOP and GIVE WAY signs)
• Color: Red, white, and black combinations
• Purpose: Indicate laws and restrictions (e.g., speed limits, no parking,
stop signs)
Types of Regulatory Signs:
1. Mandatory Signs (Instructions That Must Be Followed) ⚪
2. Prohibitory Signs (Restrictions and Bans) ⚪
3. Priority Signs (Right of Way) 🛑🔺
1. Mandatory Signs (Instructions That Must Be Followed) ⚪

• These signs tell road users what they must do.

• ✅ Speed Limit (e.g., 50 km/h)
• ✅ Keep Left / Keep Right
• ✅ Turn Left / Right Ahead
• ✅ One Way
• ✅ Roundabout
2. Prohibitory Signs (Restrictions and Bans) ⚪

• These signs indicate what is not allowed on the road.

• 🚫 No Entry
• 🚫 No Parking
• 🚫 No U-Turn
• 🚫 No Overtaking
• 🚫 No Horn (Silent Zone)
3. Priority Signs (Right of Way) 🛑🔺

• These signs help drivers understand who has the right of way at
intersections and road junctions.
• 🛑 STOP – Drivers must come to a complete stop.
• 🔻 Give Way – Yield to other vehicles before proceeding.
• 🚦 Signal Ahead – Prepare to stop at traffic signals.
Importance of Regulatory Signs:
Maintain road discipline and traffic order.
Reduce accidents by enforcing rules.
Help drivers understand their responsibilities.
Informatory Signs (Guide Signs)
• Informatory signs provide useful information to road users about
routes, destinations, services, and facilities. These signs help drivers
navigate roads efficiently and find necessary services.
Informatory Signs Characteristics:

• Shape: Usually rectangular or square

• Color:
• Green – Direction and distance information
• Blue – Roadside services (hospitals, fuel stations, parking)
• Brown – Tourist attractions and historical sites
• Purpose: Assist road users with navigation and amenities
Types of Informatory Signs:
1. Direction and Destination Signs (Green Signs )
2. Roadside Service Signs (Blue Signs )
3. Tourist and Recreational Signs (Brown Signs )
1. Direction and Destination Signs (Green Signs )

• 🛣 Distance to Cities and Towns (e.g., "New York – 50 km")

• 🛤 Highway Route Markers (e.g., "Interstate 95")
• 🚗 Exit and Entry Signs (e.g., "Exit 5 – Downtown")
• 🔄 Roundabout Directions
2. Roadside Service Signs (Blue Signs )

• 🏥 Hospital Ahead
• ⛽ Petrol / Fuel Station
• Parking Area
• 🚻 Public Restrooms
• 🍽 Restaurant / Food Court
3.Tourist and Recreational Signs (Brown Signs )

• 🏰 Historical Sites and Monuments

• 🏖 Beaches and Parks
• 🎭 Museums and Cultural Centers
• 🏕 Camping and Picnic Areas
Importance of Informatory Signs:
• ✔️Help drivers plan routes and reach destinations easily.
✔️Provide access to essential services like fuel, hospitals, and parking.
✔️Promote tourism by guiding travelers to attractions.
• Following these signs ensures a smooth, informed, and stress-free
journey!
Road Marking
• Lines, patterns, words set into applied or attached to the carriageway
or kerbs or objects within or adjacent to carriageway
Role of Road markings:
• To guide and control traffic on the highway
• To serve as psychological barrier
• To delineate traffic path and its lateral clearance from traffic hazards
• To aid pedustrians and cyclists for movement into safe locations
Road Marking Colours
Functions of Road Markings:
1. Lane Discipline and Traffic Flow ➡️
2. Road Safety and Warnings ⚠️
3. Parking and Stopping Guidance
4. Directional and Informational Guidance
1. Lane Discipline and Traffic Flow ➡️

• White Lines – Separate lanes moving in the same direction.

• Yellow Lines – Indicate lanes with different traffic directions or
restrictions.
• Broken Lines – Allow overtaking and lane changing when safe.
• Solid Lines – Prohibit overtaking and lane changing.
2. Road Safety and Warnings ⚠️

• Pedestrian Crossings (Zebra Stripes) – Indicate safe crossing areas.

• Stop Lines – Mark where vehicles must stop at intersections.
• Give Way Lines – Show where vehicles should yield to others.
• Speed Bumps Markings – Warn drivers of speed-reducing humps.
3. Parking and Stopping Guidance

• Parking Bay Markings – Indicate designated parking areas.

• No Parking Zones – Yellow or red markings indicate parking
restrictions.
• Bus Stops & Taxi Stands – Special road markings for public
transport stops.
4. Directional and Informational Guidance

• Arrows on Lanes – Show permitted directions (straight, left, right).

• Turn Lanes & Merging Lanes – Guide vehicles into appropriate
lanes.
• Hazard Markings – Highlight areas like sharp turns or construction
zones.
Importance of Road Markings:
• Ensure smooth traffic movement and reduce congestion.

• Prevent accidents by guiding drivers safely.

• Help pedestrians cross roads securely.

• Organize parking and stopping areas.

Road Markings-Classification
• Carriageway markings
• Object markings
Carriageway markings

• Longitudinal markings: center line, traffic lanes, no passing zones,

warning lines, edge lines, bus lane, cycle lane
• Markings on intersections: stop lines, give way lines, pedestrian crossings,
cyclist crossings, direction arrows, protected right turn lanes, marking on
rotaries
• Markings on hazardous locations: carriageway width transition,
obstruction approaches, road-rail level crossings, check barriers
• Markings for parking: parking space limits, parking restrictions, bus stops
• Word messages: stop, slow, bus, school, exit only
Object markings
• Objects within the carriageway • Objects adjacent to carriageway •
Marking on kerbs
Longitudinal Road Markings
• Longitudinal markings are lines drawn along the length of the road to
regulate lane discipline, guide traffic, and enhance safety. These
markings help drivers stay in their lanes, indicate overtaking rules, and
show separation between different traffic directions.
Types of Longitudinal Markings:
1. Center Line Markings
2. Lane Markings ➡️
3. Edge Line Markings 🚧
4. No Overtaking Zones 🚫🚗
5. Cycle and Bus Lane Markings
1. Center Line Markings

• Single Broken Line (White or Yellow) – Vehicles can overtake if

safe.
• Single Solid Line (Yellow) – No overtaking allowed.
• Double Solid Line (Yellow) – Strictly no overtaking in both
directions.
• Solid and Broken Line Combination – Overtaking allowed only for
vehicles on the broken-line side.
2. Lane Markings ➡️

• These markings guide vehicles within their respective lanes.

• Broken White Lines – Allow lane changing when safe.
• Solid White Lines – Discourage lane changing, usually near
intersections.
• Double White Lines – Strictly no lane changing.
3. Edge Line Markings 🚧

• These indicate the boundaries of the road and help prevent accidental
lane departures.
• Solid White Edge Line – Marks the road boundary, typically on
highways.
• Broken White Edge Line – Used where lane widening or exits exist.
4. No Overtaking Zones 🚫🚗

• Solid Yellow Lines – Indicate no overtaking due to safety risks (e.g.,

curves, bridges).
• Combination of Solid and Broken Lines – Overtaking allowed only
from the broken-line side.
5. Cycle and Bus Lane Markings

• Dedicated Bicycle Lanes – Marked with cycle symbols.

• Bus-Only Lanes – Reserved for buses to improve public transport
efficiency.
Importance of Longitudinal Markings:
• Improve lane discipline and prevent accidents.

• Regulate overtaking and guide safe driving behavior.

• Help night-time driving by defining road boundaries.

• Ensure smooth traffic flow on highways and city roads.

Markings for Hazardous Location
• Hazardous location markings are special road markings that warn
drivers of potential dangers ahead, helping them slow down, take
precautions, and navigate safely. These markings are essential for
preventing accidents in high-risk areas.
Types of Hazardous Location Markings:
1. 1. Pedestrian Crossings 🚸
2. 2. Stop and Give Way Markings 🛑
3. 3. Speed Control Markings ⚠️
4. 4. Sharp Turn and Curve Markings 🔄
5. 5. Railway Crossing Markings 🚆
6. 6. Merge and Diverging Lane Markings 🔀
7. 7. Bridge and Tunnel Markings 🌉🚇
Types of Hazardous Location Markings:
1. Pedestrian Crossings 🚸
Zebra Crossings – Black and white stripes for pedestrian safety at
intersections.
Pelican Crossings – Controlled by pedestrian signals for safe crossing.
2. Stop and Give Way Markings 🛑
Stop Line – A thick white line before intersections or signals where
vehicles must stop completely.
Give Way Line – A broken white line indicating that vehicles must yield
to other traffic before proceeding.
Types of Hazardous Location Markings:
3. Speed Control Markings ⚠️
Speed Hump Markings – White chevrons or bars to warn drivers about
upcoming speed bumps.
Slow Markings – Large white letters on the road, advising drivers to
reduce speed in risky areas.
4. Sharp Turn and Curve Markings 🔄
Chevron Markings – Diagonal white or yellow arrows guiding vehicles
through sharp bends safely.
Warning Stripes – White or yellow diagonal lines before dangerous
curves.
Types of Hazardous Location Markings:
5. Railway Crossing Markings 🚆
Stop Lines and Cross Symbols – Alerting drivers about an upcoming
railway crossing.
Zigzag Lines – Indicate restricted parking areas near crossings for clear
visibility.
6. Merge and Diverging Lane Markings 🔀
Tapering Lines – Gradual narrowing lines to guide vehicles when lanes
merge or diverge.
Diagonal Hatched Markings – Indicate areas where vehicles should not
enter, especially near intersections or freeway exits.
Types of Hazardous Location Markings:
7. Bridge and Tunnel Markings 🌉🚇
• Height Restrictions – Indicate clearance limits to prevent oversized
vehicles from entering.
• Lane Guidance Markings – Ensure safe navigation through narrow
tunnels.
Importance of Hazardous Location Markings:
• Alert drivers about danger zones to reduce accidents.

• Ensure pedestrian safety by marking crossings.

• Guide vehicles safely around sharp turns and railway tracks.

• Improve visibility in low-light or high-risk areas.

Note: Following these markings can save lives and prevent crashes! 🚦🚗
Markings at Intersections 🚦🚗
• Intersection markings help organize traffic flow, improve safety, and
guide drivers on when to stop, yield, or proceed. These markings
ensure smooth movement and prevent accidents at busy junctions.
Types of Intersection Markings:
1. Stop Line Marking 🛑
Thick Solid White Line – Indicates where vehicles must stop completely
before proceeding (used with STOP signs or traffic lights).
2. Give Way (Yield) Marking 🔻
Broken White Line (Triangular Shape) – Instructs drivers to yield to other
vehicles before entering the intersection.
3. Pedestrian Crossings
Zebra Crossing – Bold white stripes where pedestrians have the right of way.
Pelican & Signal-Controlled Crossings – Marked with white stop lines near
traffic lights.
Types of Intersection Markings:
4. Box Junction (Yellow Grid) 🚕🚦
Yellow Criss-Cross Lines – Found at busy intersections; vehicles must
not enter unless their exit is clear, preventing congestion.
5. Lane Direction Arrows ↗️⬆️↩️
White Arrow Markings – Indicate allowed movements (e.g., left turn,
right turn, or straight).
6. Traffic Island & Median Markings 🚧
Chevron or Hatched Markings – Diagonal white/yellow lines to separate
traffic lanes or indicate no-entry zones.
Types of Intersection Markings:
7. Turning Lane Markings 🔄
Exclusive Turn Lanes – Arrows and solid lines guide vehicles into
correct lanes for turning left or right.
8. Bicycle and Bus Lane Markings
Dedicated Bicycle Lanes – Marked with bike symbols to prevent
interference with vehicle traffic.
Bus-Only Lanes – Clearly marked to restrict unauthorized vehicles.
Importance of Intersection Markings:
Prevent accidents by organizing traffic flow.
Guide drivers on correct lanes and actions.
Ensure pedestrian safety at crossings.
Reduce congestion and improve road efficiency.
• Following intersection markings is crucial for safe and smooth traffic
movement! 🚦🚗