A G1 Driver's Guide to Traffic Signs, Signals, and Markings
A G1 Driver's Guide to Traffic Signs, Signals, and Markings
June 8, 2021 By kim@boltmarketing.ca
Getting your G1 driver's licence is a great accomplishment, but it also means bearing the responsibility of being an informed motorist. One of the most important aspects worth mentioning here is traffic controls, which is the collective term to mean traffic signs, signals, and markers. It is a big part of the G1 driving test rules to ace this part of the examination since these are vital references while driving and even commuting. To either remind yourself of the basics or prepare for your driving examination, consider the following crucial details:
What Are the Purposes of Traffic Controls?
The main goal of traffic controls is to guide the general public, regulate traffic, and enforce utmost order. Each traffic sign, signal, or marker should meet either one or more of the following purposes:
- Warn motorists of a change in driving conditions (e.g., roadside hazards, challenging terrain)
- Guide drivers to find their way properly by identifying the appropriate direction and path
- Maintain favorable speed and movement of vehicles on the road
- Enforce local and international traffic laws to grant control of public roads and traffic
Knowing Traffic Signs, Signals, and Markers
Traffic signs
There are three types of traffic signs: regulatory, informational (or directional), and warning. Regulatory signs are meant to be general signages for everyone to follow, meaning both drivers and even pedestrians. They are primarily painted in white and black in a rectangle shape, featuring one eye-catching color to signify its instruction.
Take note that red-colored signs mean the driver should avoid the sign's indicated activity, while the green ones mean it is allowed. Meanwhile, remember that diamond-shaped signs colored black and orange are meant for temporary road conditions.
Informational signs are meant to direct motorists by labeling certain paths. They are large, green ones intended to help drivers like you find the way. On the other hand, warning signs mean there is something odd or dangerous, like a blind curve or dipping terrain. They are bright yellow with black text in diamond shapes.
Traffic signals
Traffic signals are meant to funnel traffic into more complex freeways at desired patterns to organize vehicles and crossing pedestrians properly. You need to follow them to ensure peace and order. Just remember the basics of a traffic light: green means go, yellow means slow down or yield, and red means stop.
While it may seem basic, it takes diligence and respect for the roadside protocols to execute this, as many drivers are known for over speeding because of running yellow and red lights. So do what you can as a G1 driver to not emulate that kind of behavior.
Traffic markers
Traffic markers are symbols, texts, and lines seen on roads to maintain safe driving by ensuring proper traffic flow. They are like informational traffic signs in a way since they can also note where you are supposed to go or stop.
The three basic ones to remember are yellow lines, white lines, and crosswalks. Yellow lines are for opposite directional traffic, while white ones are for the same direction. Crosswalks are designated pedestrian crossing areas with traffic lights nearby to direct traffic.
Conclusion
As a licenced G1 driver or aspiring licence holder, knowing your traffic controls is a huge part of the test. You should study them by keeping the important information mentioned above in mind and do more research on identifying these signs on the streets. If you want to either refresh your knowledge or hone your skills, visit driving professionals like us to help you!
Lambton Driving Academy is your premier driving school in Sarnia, providing you with the best education to prepare you for your G1 driver's licence and other motorist needs. We are equipped with the facilities and expertise to help you, like our state-of-the-art car simulators for driving tests to prepare you for the real thing! Enroll in our interactive classes today!