The Importance of Traffic Signs for Road Safety

In 2020 there were 1,095 road related deaths in Australia. 66% were drivers or passengers of motor vehicles, 21% were cyclists or motorcyclists and 12.6% were pedestrians. Everything from alcohol and fatigue to speed and ignoring traffic signs play a role in the injuries and deaths that plague Australian roads each year.

The leading cause of worksite death between 2019 and 2020 were vehicle collisions, making up 41% of all workplace fatalities. The need for proper, and correctly placed signage is essential to help keep workers safe.

Traffic signs are an essential part of road, car park and worksite safety. Ensuring that proper signage is erected in correct positions is a huge aspect of keeping drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians safe.

Road signs can be used to direct traffic, highlight hazards, and give instructions. The main goal of traffic signs is to be clear and concise. Ideally, anyone should be able to understand a road sign no matter if they are an experienced driver or tourist walking on the street. For this reason, most signs have simple words or pictures that can be quickly understood.

“There are many Australians’ living with learning and vision disabilities that make clear signage imperative for widespread safety” explains disability support provider ARA-AID.

What do they do?

The most basic traffic signs aim to prevent collisions. Because they are directing drivers, they need to quickly attract attention. Road signs must be placed in a prominent position that gives drivers enough time to react and follow the instructions. Signs should also not be too text heavy as this could distract drivers and cause danger.

Traffic signs provide a wealth of information, from speed limits to directions on where and when to turn. Following traffic regulations helps guarantee the safety of everyone on the road by reducing the danger of drivers colliding with other cars, pedestrians, or bicyclists.

Where Should They Be Placed?

Traffic signs require input from a traffic engineer who will conduct a study to determine which signs are required for a particular location. It is essential that professionals are employed during the process of installing signs as incorrect placement can lead to more danger.

The Installation Process:

According to Roads and Traffic Authority NSW, the responsibility of a sign installation lies with the authority who controls the road. No changes or additions should be made without authorisation from either the Roads and Traffic Authority (RTA) or local council.

The basic steps involved in installing traffic signs are:

1. Determine the type of sign required
2. Determine the proper position
3. Assess any environmental factors that may require special consideration (this may include severe weather conditions or general activity that will require structural consideration)
4. Determine the level of support structure needed for safe and lasting installation
5. Obtain a sign that is in accordance with current RTA policy
6. Authorise the signs installation with the appropriate body

What Support Structure Will the Sign Need?

“The type of support, footing and mounting that a sign requires is dependent on the size of the sign face, if the sign has any electrical components, the height of the sign, the location of the sign, and if it is cantilevered, and most importantly if the sign has any risk of intervention from weather, water or wear and tear” notes Shuttle Tech Electrical.

Some Common Traffic Sign Types:

Regulatory Signs

Regulatory signs give drivers crucial directions and instructions. Their main purpose is to mark give way and stopping points, direct traffic in particular directions and indicate speed limits.

Regulatory signs are important even in areas like car parks and worksites where cars need to travel much slower and be hyper aware of instructions to prevent collision.

Prohibition Signs

Prohibition signs are extremely important for keeping people safe. They can notify pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers of areas they are not permitted to enter and prevent drivers from making wrong turns and colliding with other cars.

“Prohibition signs are super important on worksites because they can prevent injury and death” explains the demolition workers at Hives Demolition, “Some areas of worksites need specific PPE and can be super dangerous”.

Warning Signs

Caution signs are designed to draw attention to hazards. Caution signs may be used in areas of high pedestrian, cyclist or wildlife activity and are used to indicate changes in road conditions like slopes, bumps, and sharp turns.

Parking Signs

Having clearly marked signs that show drivers where they can and can’t park are a vital addition for roads, car parks and worksites. Parking signs may show loading zone times, disabled and parent parking and no stopping zones among other directions.