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The colors of the signs you pass on the road aren’t chosen randomly. Each has a very specific meaning. If you don’t understand the message a road sign is designed to convey, you could violate a traffic law or even cause an accident, which could jeopardize your ability to obtain affordable auto insurance, National City residents mostly prefer. Color and shape both tell you what the sign says, even if you can’t read it. Sign shape, color, and symbols are becoming standard across the world because they can overcome language barriers and instantly communicate a sign’s meaning. Here are 8 road sign colors and what they mean.
1. Red
Red always means stop. Stop signs are always red, but yield signs and multiway stops are also red. Red is also used on “Do Not Enter,” “No Parking,” and “No U-Turn” signs. If the sign has red, it’s telling you to stop or that you can’t enter.
2. Yellow
Yellow signs are always warnings and tell you to watch for potential hazards ahead. A yellow warning sign may indicate a sharp turn ahead, alert you to the speed of an exit ramp, or indicate a deer crossing.
3. Orange
Orange signs are always used to indicate construction and temporary traffic changes. An orange sign may tell you an exit is closed, utility work or slow traffic is ahead, or lanes are going to be closed.
4. Green
Green signs offer directional information and guidance, telling you where you are and which way you’re going. You’ll see green exit signs and mile markers on highways. Green signs will also tell you how far you are from a destination.
5. Brown
Brown signs indicate recreational sites and points of interest such as picnic areas, swimming areas, parks, RV facilities, hiking trails, and protected areas. You’ll also notice services offered along the roadside, such as drinking water, bathrooms, and trash containers, are indicated by a brown sign. Brown signs for recreation and services usually have a simple image depicting what is offered, either with or without text.
6. Blue
A blue sign indicates guidance, information, services, and evacuation routes. Blue signs are also used to indicate rest areas, hospitals, gas, and lodging along exits.
7. Yellow-Green
Fluorescent yellow-green signs indicate pedestrian traffic such as school crosswalks, school buses, bicycle paths, handicapped crossings, and more.
8. Black and White
White signs with black text indicate regulations that tell you what you can and can’t do. “No U-Turn” and “Do Not Enter” signs may be only black and white, or they may also have red to tell you should stop. White and black signs indicate one-way traffic, carpool lanes, and mandatory movements for lanes at intersections (such as right-turn-only lanes). Speed limit signs are also black and white.
Color is only part of the story. The shape of the sign also indicates its meaning. For example, octagon signs indicate stop, while an upside-down triangle means yield. Diamond-shaped signs warn of potential hazards, while round signs indicate railroad crossings. Vertical rectangles are usually regulatory notices like speed limits, and horizontal rectangles offer guidance.
No matter where you are in the world, if you’re driving, you should be aware of everything around you. It’s especially important to know the common colors, shapes, and symbols associated with road signs.
Make sure you’re covered with adequate, reliable auto insurance in the event of an accident. Altra Insurance Services also offers affordable motorcycle insurance. National City families can call one of our friendly representatives today at (800) 719-9972.