5 Reasons Why Traffic Signs Are Important
In the past, road signs were made of basic stone columns. The Romans used them to inform travelers of how near they were to the city. Modern traffic signs came about after the invention of the bicycle. This was because cyclists required road signs to alert them about possible obstructions.
As vehicles made their way to the roads, more modern signs developed. As of now, we have grown so accustomed to them most of us don’t give traffic lights much thought these days.
Benefits of Following Traffic Rules
Different states can have slightly different traffic rules. For example, Louisiana traffic laws have a 60 mph speed limit on interstate highways compared to Kentucky’s 65mph.
However, what appears to be constant is breaking traffic rules. While people might be doing it for fun, it is important to note its repercussions can be costly. And we should not trade our lives for such temporary pleasures.
With the ever-increasing traffic issues, tech companies have come up with several ways to assist motorists in avoiding accidents. These include traffic speed cameras, radar speed signs, and more. Despite all this technology, motorists still need to follow traffic laws to the letter. They can lead to some significant benefits, as explained below.
1. Reduced Numbers of Accidents and Fatalities
Traffic control systems such as traffic lights, speed restriction signs, and barricades help with the regular flow of traffic. As a result, a sense of discipline ensues, leading to a further reduction in the frequency and intensity of accidents.
2. Increased Safety for Pedestrians
Whether traffic is light, or heavy, pedestrians bear the worst of the consequences. It is also quite annoying for pedestrians when motorists fail to stop at the signals. Drivers should always observe traffic laws as much as everyone else.
However, pedestrians also must follow the regulations, for example, by crossing the road at designated crosswalks. They are built to accommodate safe passage across roads.
3. Organized Traffic
If you are walking on the road, try walking on the footpath to avoid getting hit by a car.
Walking on the footpath also ensures the traffic flows smoothly. Everyone’s safety comes first. And when both pedestrians and motorists stick to their designated areas, organized traffic often results. Which is a win-win for everyone involved.
4. Minimized Chaos and Danger
Following traffic regulations is very important no matter what the traffic conditions are like. In other words, it is perfectly okay to take a longer route and do a U-turn at an authorized area vs. driving the shorter route and taking an illegal U-turn. This could pose a serious risk, as you may be creating confusion for other drivers when you do something unexpected and illegal.
5. They Give You Necessary Warnings
Traffic signs serve several functions more than only warning you of the speed limit or informing you when to stop. For example, those used to indicate construction sites. Temporary signs alert you of potential changes to your typical path or remind you to look out for men at work.
Another valuable resource to have is winding-road signs and ice-on-bridge signs. It is good to know what to anticipate avoiding and finding hazards that are not clearly visible from afar.
Follow Traffic Laws and Exercise Good Judgment
Common judgment and obeying traffic laws are necessary when it comes to driving safely. Traffic laws exist to ensure your safety as well as others’ sharing the road. Keep in mind the guidelines and use them to discipline your own driving daily. You just cannot comprehend how many lives you may save in the long run!
