Warning signs tell drivers of upcoming conditions like steep inclines, stop signs that may not be visible from a distance or sharp curves. Warning signs can also provide a suggested speed for dangerous conditions.
Temporary signs warn drivers about detours or road construction over a short period of time. These signs are typically orange in color.
There are several standard shapes for traffic signs. Diamonds are reserved for warning signs, octagons can only be stop signs and vertical rectangles are used for regulatory signs.
There are also specific colors used for different purposes. Yellow is used for all warning signs, blue is used to advise drivers of upcoming gas stations or other services and white is usually used in regulatory signs.
Most people are familiar with stop lights, but traffic lights can also be used to warn of fire stations or extreme conditions, regulate lane direction and traffic or control the flow of bicycles.
