Signs of the times
Page 46
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ALTHOUGH the hgv learner driver may well be an experienced car driver it is essential for him to be thoroughly familiar with road signs and markings, on ordinary roads and on motorways. Don't forget to advise him on the relatively new bus-lane markings, even if there is none in the training area. Train him to treat road signs as if he was reading a book — each one tells a story.
Warning signs give advance notice of a hazard ahead. They are usually triangular in shape with the triangle inverted for a give-way warning although some may be rectangular. The message is conveyed by a pictorial symbol or by words or both and warns to be ready to slow down and take extra care. The symbols are mostly self-explanatory and are similar to those used throughout Europe.
Order signs are generally circular in shape although many STOP signs are now octagonal. They tell the driver what he must not do and may be accompanied by road markings. In heavy traffic conditions, either signs or markings may be obscured by other vehicles, calling for greater vigilance from the driver.
Information signs are mostly rectangular in shape, green in colour for primary routes, blue for motorways and white for other routes. Advance direction signs enable the driver to select the correct road ahead and direction signs at junction indicate which way to go. Route signs after the junction give distances of places ahead, ena bling the driver to check his route and to plan his stopping places for official breaks.
On motorways, warning signs are in the form of flashing lights which also indicate when a lower speed limit is in force. In rural areas, the signs are on the central reservation, are two miles apart and apply to the whole of the motorway. In urban areas, the signs are on gantrys across the carriageway, are 1,000 yards apart and apply only to the lanes they are crossing. Drivers should slow down when amber lights are flashing and stop at flashing red lights. When visibility is affected by fog, commercial vehicles should remain in the nearside lane.
The general rule for road markings, which may or may not have accompanying signs, is "the more paint on the road, the greater the hazard".
Make sure that your learner driver understands that a broken line at a road junction means he must give way to traffic on the main road. A solid line means means he must stop. At roundabouts, a broken line means give way to traffic from the right.
Explain the markings in the centre of the road. Remind him that if the solid white line is on his side, he must not cross it. Hatched white markings are situated at hazards such as road junctions to divide the flow of traffic and drivers should avoid entering the hatched area.
by Frank Lewsey
Mr Lewsey is training adviser, EP Training Services Ltd (Esher 66183).