Importance of Road/Traffic Signs

Road signs are grouped into three major categories:

Command or Order Signs

These signs are used to control the actions of road users, such as managing speed limits or directing pedestrian movement. They are further divided into two types:

1. Permit Signs

   These allow road users to take a certain action, such as crossing the road. Appearance: They are usually blue in color. Example: A sign showing a pedestrian crossing area.

   

   Sample of permit signs

2. Limit or Prohibit Signs

   These signs restrict certain actions, such as preventing U-turns or parking. Appearance: They are enclosed within a red circle.

   

   Sample of prohibit (command) or order signs

Precaution or Warning Signs

These signs alert road users about potential hazards or risks on the road.

Appearance: Shaped like a triangle with thick red borders.

Purpose: To warn about upcoming curves, animal crossings, slippery roads, or accident-prone areas.

Sample of warning signs

Informative or Regulatory Signs

These signs provide guidance or reinforce traffic laws that must be followed.

Purpose: To inform about directions, road rules, or special conditions.

Examples: Speed limits, parking instructions, or location information signs.

Sample of informative or regulatory signs

The shape of a road sign can indicate its function:

1. Octagon: Always indicates a "Stop" sign. It is the only road sign with this unique shape.

   

   Stop road sign

2. Pentagon (House Shape): Indicates a school zone. Often includes a picture of children.

   

   School zone road sign

3. Cross (X-shape or Crossbuck): Warns about a railway crossing. Alerts drivers to look out for oncoming trains.

   

   Railway crossing road sign

Colors help road users understand the intent of a sign at a glance:

1. Traffic Light Colors

   • Red: Signals drivers to stop.

   • Yellow (Amber): Tells drivers to get ready to stop or proceed with caution.

   • Green: Indicates drivers can go.

     

     Traffic lights

2. Background Colours of Road Signs

   • White: Used for regulatory signs, such as speed limits or parking rules.

     

     Road sign with a white background

   • Yellow (Amber): Used for warning signs to indicate caution.

     

     Road sign with a yellow (amber) background

   • Red: Used to alert of danger, like "No Entry" signs.

     

     Road signs with a red background

   • Green: Used for informative signs, such as directional guidance or location names.

     

     Road sign with a green background

In addition to shape and color, texts on signs convey specific instructions or warnings.

Purpose: To provide clear, written guidance to road users.

Examples:

• "Stop"
• "Slow Down"
• "No Parking"
• "School Zone Ahead"

Road sign with a text

1. They make users aware of what is ahead.
2. They direct road users on what to do.
3. They help to minimize accidents since the road users are guided to make the right moves.
4. They help road users use the road safely.

If all road users obey the road signs, there will be fewer accidents.

People may get permanent injuries or lose their capacity to work and be productive. Treating the injured persons in hospital is expensive to the government and to the family concerned.

Some benefits of obeying road signs are:

1. It prevents loss of life due to careless use of roads.
2. It minimizes road accidents.
3. It prevents damage to property.
4. It cuts government and personal costs of treating the injured.
5. It reduces traffic jams on the roads.

The following are some causes of road accidents:

1. Reckless drivers who drive without caring about other road users. Driving recklessly causes the driver to lose control of his or her vehicle.
2. Lack of road safety education for the road users.
3. Poor road conditions. Many roads have potholes which make driving difficult and unsafe.
4. Some drivers do not put the triangle warning sign when their vehicle breaks down on the road. As a result, other road users are not warned in good time about the stalled vehicle.
5. Some vehicles are defective. They should be removed from the road until they are repaired.
6. Some drivers do not have valid driving licenses for the vehicle they drive. For example, a driver whose license is for class "C" (that is, for tractors) should not drive the passenger service vehicle unless he or she gets the proper license.
7. Some pedestrians do not obey road safety rules. They cross the road without paying attention to on-coming vehicles.
8. Some drivers do not obey road signs.
9. Some roads are narrow. If a vehicle has a mechanical problem and it stalls in the middle of the road, it may cause accidents especially when other vehicles are moving at high speed.
10. Driving while drunk is also a cause of road accidents as the driver does not have full control of his or her senses. He or she cannot control the vehicle properly.
11. Some vehicle owners overload the vehicles. This makes it difficult to steer the vehicle.

Accidents have negative effects on people and property. Some of the effects of road accidents are:

1. Permanent disabilities.
2. Human beings and livestock die due to severe injuries suffered during road accidents.
3. People lose their commodities when transporting them from one place to another.
4. Vehicles are damaged.
5. The public and private sectors lose productive workers due to death or disabilities resulting from road accidents.
6. Large amounts of money are spent in treating road accident victims and in repairing or replacing damaged properties.
7. Travelers are delayed when accidents occur.
8. Children become orphans when their parents die in accidents, resulting in a lot of suffering for children. Some children end up as street children.

The police traffic records have given us a picture of the problem of road accidents in Tanzania. Measures must be taken to prevent accidents in order to prevent such distressing statistics in the future.

The following are some ways of preventing road accidents:

1. All road users must be given proper education on road safety so that they are careful when using the roads. This is the duty of the government, all traffic control concerned, and the society.
2. Driving license should be issued to qualified people only.
3. Roads must be maintained properly.
4. Vehicles must be inspected before they are licensed to be driven on roads. Public service vehicles should be inspected regularly.
5. Reckless and drunk drivers should be punished according to the law. Strict laws that are properly enforced will discourage drivers from driving recklessly.
6. Unqualified drivers should not drive.
7. The disabled, children, and the elderly should be helped to cross roads.
8. Vehicle owners must regularly service their vehicles to ensure they are roadworthy.
9. Drivers who overload their vehicles must be punished according to the law.
10. Road signs should be put on the roads.
11. Defective motor vehicles must not be allowed on the roads.

Students marching during road safety week