How well do you know PH road signs?

Driving isn’t as easy as it looks. Let’s say, you passed the driving school and got your license, but your challenges won’t stop there. Well, it is only the beginning of your long journey. Everything becomes for real when you hit the road without a driving instructor beside you. Will you be able to apply the knowledge during your driving school sessions? Or, will you be a rowdy driver who goes by his (her) own rules? Well, you better not be the latter!

Here, we give you a recap and refresh your road signs knowledge, all for the sake of safe driving. Ready? 

Categories of road signs, color, and shape

Yes, road signs are divided into three categories: regulatory, warning, and guide signs. Another thing you should always remember is that the colors and shapes of the road signs also have a corresponding meaning (which will be explained as we go on, don’t worry).

To make it easier for you to understand, here’s the visual representation of road signs grouped according to meanings and uses.

Regulatory Signs

These signs are usually self-explanatory, which are commonly indicated in the shape of circle that comes with red diagonal or red border. However, the ‘STOP’ mark is painted in a red octagon-shaped sign as a whole. Once the driver see this sign, they must come to a complete stop at the limit line, crosswalk, or intersection. These red signs specify what drivers must not do or stop doing.

Also, there’s distinct shape among the group: the ‘Yield’ sign. It’s enclosed in an inverted triangle that means to give way to traffic that has the right of way. Aside from the red marks, there are also blue-colored signs that instructs the drivers which direction they should take.

Warning Signs

Often printed on yellow triangular shape with red borders, the combination of this color and shape indicates that there’s an unexpected roadway condition or possible hazard ahead. These signs are like your adviser on the road. It gives drivers warnings of what kind of road they’re currently taking, so that they will be extra careful and alert while driving.

Take note that once you see a ‘School Crossing’ sign, you should always stop and give way to the pedestrians. In case you encounter a ‘Road Work’ or ‘Falling Rock’ sign, it’s better to maneuver and turn on your Waze to help you find a better route and a safer trip.

Informative Signs

Either indicated in blue rectangular boards, these road signs give drivers information where to find nearest hospital, parking area, gas station, as well as the jeepney and bus stop. It has also green and yellow versions, which provide distance to the next city or town.

Your future as a driver depends on how well you follow all of these road signs. Otherwise, you’ll find yourself at the Land Transportation Office (LTO), claiming your license and losing some cash. So the next time you hit the road, do yourself and the world a favor, be a responsible driver.