Drivers are being encouraged to refresh their road sign knowledge which could be lifesaving and help avoid future accidents.
According to the AA, 55 per cent of drivers consider themselves safe road users the majority of the time, however, over half of drivers still struggle with the Highway Code.
Learning about road signals is required as part of the driving theory test, but after that there is no obligation for drivers to refresh their memory.
Drivers can be charged with disqualification, three penalty points and a fine of up to £1,000 if they are found to have ignored road signs.
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Clearway sign means no stopping under any circumstances
PA
One of the most common road signs that a number of drivers are unaware of is a “clearway” sign which means no stopping under any circumstances.
The sign means no picking up or dropping off passengers, which has caught plenty of drivers out in the UK since these signs are commonly found outside schools.
Another sign typically seen on rural roads near military bases warns drivers to watch out for slow-moving military vehicles crossing or driving on the road.
A red empty circle sign is another one which drivers struggle to understand the meaning of. It means all vehicles are banned from using the road ahead with drivers warned to turn back or could bit hit with a parking ticket.
Road signs are there to tell drivers what they are allowed to do and what they must not do
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Similar to the clearway sign, a blue circular background with a single diagonal red line across it means “no waiting” rather than no stopping.
Nick Holmes, technical training manager at Instarmac, said: “Knowing and understanding road signs is vital to being a safe driver and limiting the stress experienced by yourself and others.
“Some of these signs are incredibly common and all road users should be aware of them.
“Others in this list might seem like more of a novelty, but understanding how to react if you do see one of these signs is vital.”
A road sign with a blue backing and two white arrows pointing away from each other is usually used when the road ahead splits into two.
This sign tells drivers that both of the new lanes will direct people to the same location. This helps limit the need for drivers to merge or switch lanes.
Traffic signs are used to give orders, warning signs, direction signs, information signs and road works signs, according to the Highway Code.
Signs with red circles are mostly prohibitive while warning signs are mostly triangular and direction signs are mainly rectangular with information signs always rectangular.
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Direction signs are mainly rectangular with information signs always rectangular
PA
Road signs are there to tell drivers what they are allowed to do and what they must not do.
A deeper understanding of road signs and what they mean can prevent accidents and risk of injury for drivers.
