The Road Markers and Traffic Lights You’ll Encounter While Driving
July 31, 2015
What are road markers and traffic lights you will encounter while driving?
- White Lines
- Yellow Lines
- Other Road Markings
- Basic Traffic Lights
- Arrow Lights
- Flashing Lights
- Moving Human Icons
Aside from various car parts like mufflers and radiators, you should also know about the different road markers and traffic lights that you will encounter while on the road. These are essential in helping you avoid accidents or injuries while driving.
Let’s check out a few below:
White Lines
Solid White Lines
These separate the road to determine the traffic flow on lanes where cars are going in one direction. Note that you cannot overtake, switch lanes, or speed up when you see the lines on the road. These also serve as a marker or border for road edges.
Broken White Lines
These broken white lines indicate that you can safely overtake the vehicle in front of you.
Yellow Lines
Yellow Center Lines
Yellow center lines separate the road for two traffic flows that are going in opposite directions. Like solid white lines, you are also not permitted to overtake when these are on the road.
Broken Yellow Lines
These allow you to overtake on the left side when the coast is clear.
Double Solid Yellow Lines
These restrict you from overtaking on either side. You can only cross these lines when entering a side street or when making a legal U-turn.
Other Road Markings
Pavement Arrows
When you see this on the road with other signs, you must follow the direction it points to as it indicates where the traffic must flow.
Pedestrian Lanes
These are places where pedestrians can safely cross the road.
Basic Traffic Lights
Red
When you see red, make a complete stop or else you may cause an accident or injury to anyone crossing the road.
Yellow
Yellow also means stop. If you are approaching an intersection and the traffic light switches to yellow, you must stop. However, in the event that you are not able to stop safely, proceed with caution. In situations when you are in the middle of the intersection when the light switches to yellow, you are allowed to proceed but do so with extreme caution.
Green
You may go but only when you see that the intersection is completely clear. Do remember that even if the light has turned green, you must still give way to any vehicles or pedestrians crossing.
Arrow Lights
Green Arrow
A green arrow means that you can only drive in the direction the arrow is pointing to.
Yellow Arrow
When you see a yellow arrow, it does not mean stop completely. Rather, it means to proceed only in the direction of the arrow with extreme caution.
Flashing Lights
Flashing Red
This indicates you should stop and check if the intersection is clear before you move on.
Flashing Yellow
This implies that you should approach with extreme caution and give way to those vehicles or pedestrians who are still crossing the intersection.
Moving Human Icons
Red Man Icon (Pedestrian Traffic Light)
Often accompanied by a timer, this simply means do not cross the street as vehicles are still passing through.
Green Man Icon (Pedestrian Traffic Light)
The green man icon, on the other hand, indicates that it is now safe for you and other pedestrians to cross.
Key Takeaway
If you want to have a problem-free drive, then it is important to take note of these traffic lights and road markings. In order to be a model motorist, make sure to follow the markers and signs found on the road. This is to ensure not just your own safety, but the safety of those around you.
Have a safe trip!
