Road signs were used as far back as Ancient Rome. Although they have changed over the years in many ways, the idea behind them has always been the same.
Are you curious about how traffic signs and their meanings keep us safe? After all, there are so many kinds of signs you see on the road.
From a merging traffic sign to a school zone sign, each of these has its own purpose. Learn about the history of traffic signs and how the different types keep us safe on the road below.
History of Road Traffic Signs
After people started to use horseless carriages in the United States, drivers were having a new issue on the roads. They were getting lost all the time.
Drivers had no way to tell which way they were going!
In the late 1800s, drivers began to create clubs to put street signs down so that people could tell which way to go. Some individuals joined the clubs simply to put down signs directing drivers to their very own businesses!
In 1915, the first stop sign was placed in Michigan by the local government. This was one year following the first electric traffic signal showing up in Cleveland.
As time passed, more and more of these signs were added to roadways. Some states began to work together to come up with more uniform markings as more people were traveling across state lines. Part of these conversations included creating unique shapes that would signify specific purposes (i.e. an octagon always means stop).
Traffic signs were originally black and white. In 1948, the government decided to simplify signs so that they could easily be seen at night, but also so that drivers could look at the color before having to read the words to know what the sign meant.
This helped create the safer roads we have today.
Types of Traffic Signs
Today, traffic signs come in shapes and colors that signify specific means. They help drivers know where to go, how to stay safe, and what the laws are in that area.
The main types of traffic signs in the US are:
- Warning
- Regulatory
- Services
- Construction
- Guide
- School Zone
Each of these sign types has its own colors and appearances to help drivers know what’s going on without interrupting their driving experience.
For instance, regulatory signs are meant to help with the flow of traffic and provide safety measures while guide signs will help you navigate where you’re going or where you are.
Stay Safe With Traffic Signs
Knowing the traffic signs and meanings wherever you’re driving is important for road safety. If you’re traveling to a new place, it’s a good idea to brush up on their signs to make sure you know what to expect.
Paying attention to what all of these road signs tell you helps you have a better time on the road overall!
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