Traffic Signals and Road Signs – What Each One Means

By Humyra Sharmind Alam

10 Oct 2024

6 mins read

By Humyra Sharmind Alam10 Oct 2024

6 mins read

Traffic signs are an essential aspect of driving on the roads. To be an ideal driver, one must have knowledge of traffic signs. One of the main causes of road accidents in our country is the lack of knowledge and adherence to traffic signs. Today, I will discuss traffic signs, traffic signals, and road signs. Many people think traffic signs, traffic signals, and road signs are the same. No, they are three different marks.

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Out of necessity, we all have to travel on roads. To protect our own and others' lives and property, it is necessary to understand traffic signs. Traffic management refers to a specific set of rules and regulations that all vehicles must follow.

While traveling on the road, anyone can behave in any way. Mainly, traffic signs provide instructions through various supplementary plates along the road. If we all—drivers, passengers, pedestrians—follow these traffic signs, road accidents in Bangladesh will significantly decrease.

While traveling on the road, some people are in the driver's seat, some are passengers, and others are pedestrians. But one thing we all must be conscious of and equally responsible for is traffic laws. We must not neglect this aspect. Each one of us must follow these traffic laws from our respective positions.

As a good citizen, we must all drive according to the laws of our country. Traffic laws and signals are crucial for any country. We should never break a traffic signal due to urgency or emotions. If you think that not following the signal will help you reach your destination faster, that's a misconception. Breaking the signal can cause traffic jams, which will make you even later to your destination.

How many types of traffic signs are there?

There are two types of traffic signs:

– Visible signs and invisible signs.

Visible signs are those that we can see with our eyes, such as direct signals from traffic police, traffic light signs, and various vehicle indicator lighting systems.
Invisible signs are those that we cannot see but can hear, such as the vehicle horn.

Traffic signals or signals: Traffic signals are of three types: (1) Arm signals, (2) Light signals, (3) Sound signals.

How many types of road signs are there?

Road signs are of three types: (1) Mandatory signs, (2) Warning signs, (3) Informational signs.

Mandatory signs are of two types: (1) Mandatory Yes, (2) Mandatory No.

How can we easily remember road signs?

(1) Mandatory signs are within a blue circle and a red circle.

A blue circle means mandatory Yes.
A red circle means mandatory No.

So, in short, any sign within a circle is mandatory.

(2) Warning signs are in a triangle shape.

(3) Informational signs are in a square shape. Therefore, signs are within circles, triangles, and squares.

Understanding Traffic Laws

While traveling on the road or highway or driving a car, you will encounter many different signals and signs. These signs and signals serve as guidance for pedestrians and drivers. To understand how and where to drive, it is essential to learn these signs and signals properly and drive accordingly. This will help avoid many accidents.

Informational signs provide various instructions for traveling on the road. This makes it easier for drivers, passengers, and pedestrians. For example, designated parking spaces, filling stations, hospitals, public toilets, police stations, fire services, pedestrian crossings, etc. Highway road signs also fall under informational signs. For instance, it provides information about the distance to the capital city Dhaka from various divisions and districts. Additionally, signs indicating accident-prone areas give early warnings. Places like mosques, temples, churches, military areas also have informational signs at the entrance.

These signs are usually within circular shapes. Since mandatory signs come in two types, mandatory No signs are inside red circles, and mandatory Yes signs are within blue circles. Informational signs are generally inside circles, triangles, and squares.

If there is a No-entry sign on the road, it must be followed, such as no right/left turn, no honking, no pedestrian crossing, no parking, no overtaking, maximum speed limits, and maximum weight limits. Yes-entry signs give directions for turns or indicate speed limits. We must follow these mandatory Yes and No signs while traveling on the road.

Warning signs give various instructions for safety while traveling. For example, if the main road intersects with a side road, the driver must slow down and allow vehicles from the right to pass first. Warning signs also indicate winding roads, crossroads, markets, schools, speed bumps, zebra crossings, and traffic light signals.