Road Safety: Traffic Signs to Follow in India.

Welcome to the world of traffic road safety signs and symbols in India – the unsung heroes of road safety. Whether you're a driver, a pedestrian, or a cyclist, it's crucial to understand the meaning of these road safety signs for your safety and the safety of others on the road. Traffic signs are more than just symbols and colors; they are designed to be simple and easily understood, regardless of language or literacy. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore different types of traffic signs, their symbols, and their importance in ensuring road safety. So, let's embark on this journey and learn the language of the road!  Let’s see how many traffic signs are there in India. 

Types of Traffic Signs

All Traffic road safety signs and symbols in India can be classified into three categories: mandatory signs, cautionary signs, and informatory signs. Each category of these road safety signs plays a crucial role in guiding drivers and ensuring the safety of all road users. Let's delve into each type of traffic sign in detail.

1. Mandatory Signs

• Mandatory traffic signs in India are essential to keep the roads safe for all users. These signs convey obligatory instructions or prohibitions that drivers must follow. Here are some important mandatory signs and their meanings:
• Stop: This red octagonal sign is a driver's cue to halt the vehicle immediately. It is crucial to follow this sign to avoid accidents.
• Give Way: This sign instructs drivers to yield to the traffic approaching from the right. It is necessary to obey this sign to avoid collisions.
• No Entry: The "No Entry" sign indicates a restricted area that drivers should not enter. Violating this sign may lead to legal consequences.
• Speed Limit: This sign indicates the maximum speed limit for a specific area, and drivers should obey it to avoid accidents.
• Pedestrian Crossing: This sign alerts drivers to a pedestrian crossing, and they should slow down to let pedestrians cross safely.
• School Ahead: The "School Ahead" sign informs drivers of a school nearby, and they must reduce speed to avoid accidents.
• Roundabout: This sign warns drivers of a circular intersection and the requirement to follow the roundabout rules while driving.

These are just a few examples of mandatory Traffic road safety signs and symbols in India. It is crucial to familiarize yourself with all the mandatory signs to ensure road safety.

2. Cautionary Signs

Cautionary signs play a crucial role in guiding drivers and alerting them about potential hazards ahead. These signs come in different shapes, colors and often feature images or words that quickly convey their meaning. Here are some common cautionary signs and their meanings:

• Curve Ahead: This sign warns drivers of an upcoming curve on the road. It is essential to slow down and drive carefully while navigating curves.
• Steep Ascent/Descent: These signs indicate steep slopes ahead. Drivers should adjust their speed and use appropriate gear to navigate these sections safely.
• Narrow Road Ahead: This sign warns drivers of an upcoming narrow road and encourages them to drive cautiously.
• Slippery Road: This sign indicates that the road may be slippery due to gravel or loose earth. Drivers should slow down and drive with caution to avoid skidding.
• Pedestrian Crossing: This sign indicates a designated area for pedestrians to cross the road. Drivers should slow down and give way to pedestrians.
• School Zone: The "School Zone" sign alerts drivers to the presence of a school nearby. Drivers should exercise extra caution and reduce speed in these areas.

These are just a few examples of cautionary signs. It is important to pay attention to these Traffic road safety signs and symbols in India and adjust your driving accordingly.

3. Informatory Signs

Informatory signs may not be mandatory, but they are certainly useful in making our journeys smooth and stress-free. These signs provide information about the location, distance, and directions to specific destinations. Here's what some of them mean:

• Petrol Pump: This sign indicates the presence of a petrol pump nearby, where you can refuel your vehicle.
• Hospital: This sign indicates the presence of a hospital nearby, which can be helpful in case of a medical emergency.
• Restaurant/Eating Place: Feeling hungry? This sign will guide you to the nearest restaurant or eating place.
• Public Telephone: If you need to make a phone call urgently and don't have a mobile phone, this sign indicates the presence of a public telephone nearby.

These are just a few examples of informatory Traffic road safety signs and symbols in India. They provide valuable information to drivers and make their journeys more convenient.

Functions of Traffic Signs

Traffic signs serve multiple functions, all aimed at promoting road safety and ensuring the smooth flow of traffic. Let's take a closer look at the functions of traffic signs in India:

1. Providing Road Instructions

One of the primary functions of traffic signs is to provide road instructions. In highly congested areas with complex intersections and multiple lanes, traffic signs help drivers navigate safely. Signs indicating the direction of traffic flow, lane markings, and road signs that indicate speed limits are crucial in guiding drivers through challenging road conditions.

2. Warning about Hazards

Another function of traffic road safety signs is to warn drivers about potential hazards on the road. Signs indicating crossroads, potholes, sharp curves, or slippery roads give drivers ample time to slow down and drive cautiously. These signs help prevent accidents and ensure the safety of all road users.

3. Marking Entry and Exit Points

Traffic signs also mark entry and exit points on roads. This is particularly important on highways and major roads, where drivers may need to take specific exits or merge onto other roads. These signs help drivers navigate through cities, towns, and villages with ease.

4. Providing Parking Information

Traffic road safety signs provide information about parking areas. "No Parking" and "No Stopping or Standing" signs indicate areas where parking is not allowed, ensuring smooth traffic flow and preventing congestion. Parking lot signs show where vehicles can be parked safely, making it easier for drivers to find suitable parking spots.

5. Maintaining Speed Limits

Traffic road safety signs provide information about maintaining the desired speed limit while crossing any institution or area. "School Ahead" signs alert drivers to the presence of a school, and they must reduce speed to avoid accidents. Speed limit signs indicate the maximum speed limit in designated areas, keeping drivers and pedestrians safe.

These are just a few examples of the functions of Traffic road safety signs and symbols in India. They play a crucial role in maintaining road discipline and ensuring the safety of all road users.

Traffic Signs for Kids/Students

Traffic signs are not only important for drivers but also for children and students who are pedestrians. It is essential for children to learn about traffic signs and their meanings to ensure their safety on the roads. Here are some essential traffic signs for kids and students:

• Stop Sign: This red octagonal-shaped sign instructs drivers to come to a complete stop. Children must learn to look left, right, and left again before crossing the road when they encounter this sign.
• School Crossing Sign: This yellow-green diamond-shaped sign indicates that there is a school nearby, and children may be crossing the road. Children should be extra careful and always look out for oncoming vehicles.
• Slow: Children At Play Sign: This yellow diamond-shaped sign displays a picture of a child. It informs drivers that there may be children playing in the area and they should slow down.
• Seat Belt- Buckle Up Sign: This circular-shaped sign shows a picture of a person wearing a seatbelt. It indicates that passengers must buckle up their seatbelts.

These road safety signs help educate children about road safety and make them aware of potential dangers on the road.

Hand Signals by Traffic Police

Hand signals used by traffic police in India are an essential aspect of ensuring smooth traffic flow and safety on the roads. These hand signals help regulate traffic and direct drivers, pedestrians, and other road users. Here are ten hand signals used by traffic police in India and their meanings:

• Stop: The traffic police officer extends their arm with the palm facing the oncoming traffic, signaling vehicles to stop.
• Go: The traffic police officer extends their arm with the palm facing upwards, signaling vehicles to proceed.
• Slow Down: The traffic police officer moves their arm up and down in a motion that indicates the need for vehicles to reduce their speed.
• Move to the Left: The traffic police officer extends their right arm and points towards the left, signaling drivers to move to the left lane.
• Move to the Right: The traffic police officer extends their left arm and points towards the right, signaling drivers to move to the right lane.
• Straighten Up: The traffic police officer moves their arm up and down with the palm facing down, indicating the need for drivers to move their vehicles in a straight line.
• Turn Left: The traffic police officer extends their left arm out to the side, pointing to the left, indicating that drivers should turn left.
• Turn Right: The traffic police officer extends their right arm out to the side, pointing to the right, indicating that drivers should turn right.
• U-Turn: The traffic police officer moves their arm up and down in a circular motion, indicating that drivers should make a U-turn.
• Follow Me: The traffic police officer moves their arm in a circular motion, indicating that drivers should follow them.

These hand signals help traffic police effectively manage and control traffic on the roads.

Hand Signals by Drivers

• Hand signals by drivers are an important means of communication on the roads in India. Here are some common hand signals used by drivers:
• Left Turn Signal: The driver extends their left arm out of the window, pointing it towards the left side of the road, indicating a left turn.
• Right Turn Signal: The driver extends their left arm out of the window, bending it at the elbow, with the hand pointing upwards, indicating a right turn.
• Stop Signal: The driver extends their left arm out of the window, with the palm facing downwards, indicating that they want to stop.
• Hazard Signal: The driver extends their left arm out of the window, with the palm facing upwards, indicating a hazard on the road.
• Slow Down Signal: The driver extends their left arm out of the window, with the palm facing downwards, and then moves their arm up and down repeatedly, indicating that they want the vehicle behind them to slow down.
• Overtaking Signal: The driver extends their left arm out of the window, moving it in a circular motion, indicating that the vehicle behind them can overtake.
• Thank You Signal: The driver extends their left arm out of the window, with the palm facing upwards, indicating a thank you gesture.
• Emergency Signal: The driver extends their left arm out of the window, with the palm facing downwards, and then moves their arm up and down repeatedly, indicating an emergency.
• Police Signal: The driver extends their left arm out of the window, with the palm facing downwards and waving it up and down, indicating the presence of a police officer on the road.
• Horn Signal: The driver honks the horn to alert the driver in front of them.

These hand signals help drivers communicate with each other and ensure safe driving practices on the road.

Road Marking or Pavement Marking Signs in India

Road marking or pavement marking signs in India play a crucial role in guiding drivers and pedestrians on the roadways. These markings are painted on the road surface and serve various purposes. Here are some common road marking signs in India and their meanings:

• Broken White Lines: These lines separate two lanes of traffic traveling in the same direction.
• Solid White Lines: These lines indicate the boundary of the driving lane and should not be crossed.
• Double White Lines: These lines separate two lanes of traffic traveling in the same direction and should not be crossed.
• Broken Yellow Lines: These lines separate two lanes of traffic traveling in opposite directions and may be crossed if it is safe.
• Solid Yellow Lines: These lines indicate no passing and should not be crossed.
• Zigzag Lines: These lines indicate that parking is not allowed.
• Pedestrian Crossing Markings: These markings indicate where pedestrians can cross the road safely.
• Centre Lane Markings: These markings indicate a shared turning lane for vehicles traveling in opposite directions.
• Arrows: These markings indicate the direction of traffic flow.
• Stop Lines: These lines indicate where vehicles should stop at an intersection or before a pedestrian crossin

These road marking signs help drivers navigate the roads safely and maintain proper lane discipline.

Road Rage in India

Road rage is a serious issue in India, with the number of road rage and rash driving cases on the rise. Road rage can lead to dangerous situations for all involved and should be avoided at all costs. Some common types of road rage include excessive honking, aggressive driving, tailgating, and rude gestures. To prevent road rage, drivers should stay calm and patient, obey traffic rules, and avoid driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. It is important to be considerate of other drivers and show respect on the road. Remember that road rage endangers not only yourself but also other drivers, pedestrians, and even animals.

Conclusion

In conclusion, traffic road safety signs are an integral part of road safety in India. They provide crucial information, guidance, and warnings to road users, ensuring their safety and the smooth flow of traffic. From mandatory signs to cautionary signs and informatory signs, each type serves a specific purpose and helps maintain road discipline. It is important for drivers, pedestrians, and students to understand the language of traffic signs to ensure their safety on the roads. Let's all be responsible road users and follow traffic signs to make our roads safer for everyone. Remember, every sign counts in our journey towards road safety!

FAQS:

1. How many types of traffic signs and symbols are there in India?

There are 110 different traffic signs and symbols in India, which are classified into three categories:

Mandatory Traffic Signs

Cautionary Traffic Signs

Informatory Traffic Signs

1. What do traffic sign colors mean?

Below are the three colors of traffic signals and what each one means.:

Red:  Stop.

Yellow: Slow down and wait.

Green:  you can go!

1. What do traffic symbols and signs mean??

Road users can better understand and obey fundamental traffic laws with the use of traffic signs and symbols, which are a straightforward and efficient form of communication. They transmit crucial information about the surroundings and the adjacent amenities as well as cautions.

1. What are the various shapes of road signs?

Road signs typically come in one of eight shapes. Every shape has a specific message intended for drivers and other road users. The eight most popular road sign shapes are identified by their names as follows:

Octagon

Triangle

Diamond

Rectangle

Pentagon

Round

Crossbuck

Shield

1. What shape is meant for a warning sign?

Typically, a warning sign is shaped like a diamond. As it offers a distinctive and attention-grabbing design that is readily recognized by drivers and other road users, the diamond shape is only used for warning signs.

1. Are hand signals a significant component of Indian traffic signals??

As traffic signals and road signs are utilized for communicating with drivers and other road users, hand signals are not normally used as a formal aspect of traffic signaling in India. However, in some circumstances, hand signals can be utilized as an additional form of communication.