Tunnels
have specific traffic control signs such as minimum
and maximum speeds, prohibited cargo, and the appropriate
use of headlights and sunglasses.
Toll
plazas are preceded by signs that indicate distance
to the plaza, what the safe approach speed is, which
lanes are for cars and which lanes are for trucks, and
other useful information.
Finally,
many railway grade crossings have signs that warn of
an approaching train. If a railroad crossing does not
have flashing lights and barricades, slow and check
for a train before crossing the tracks. Remember, it
is difficult to accurately judge the speed of an oncoming
train and trains cannot effectively slow down for you.

For
your own safety and the safety of others, it is important
that you observe, understand, and follow all cautionary
signs when approaching a tunnel, toll plaza, or railway
crossing. These situations are well marked because there
is very little room for error.
Non-vehicular
signs
Most
signs that do not relate to vehicles relate instead
to pedestrians and bicyclists. Knowing about their regulatory
sign will help you avoid a life-threatening collision
with them.
- Walk/Dont
Walk signals tell pedestrians when it is permissible
to cross. You must still yield to a pedestrian
who is "jay-walking" or crossing against
the light or in the middle of the block.
- If
you are turning into their path, you must yield to
all pedestrians.
- Pedestrian
crosswalks do not have to be marked.
- Pedestrians
have the right-of-way at all intersections.
Stop
at the vehicle stop line painted on the roadway to stay
out of the way of pedestrians and other traffic turning
into your street. Be prepared to stop for any pedestrian
entering a crosswalk.
In
addition, learn to expect and stop for pedestrians who
are not in crosswalks it could easily save a
life.
A
warning sign is often placed ahead of the crosswalk,
so you have adequate warning before the crossing zone.
Another warning sign is placed at the crosswalk itself.
The lines on the side indicate the location of the crosswalk
markings. Whether you are in a residential neighborhood
or a busy intersection, be alert for inattentive pedestrians.
Children
are less predictable than adults. School zone signs
tell you when to reduce your speed and when it is safe
to increase it again. Wait to pass the END SCHOOL ZONE
or SPEED LIMIT sign and then resume your speed. Accelerating
before you see these signs is a violation and puts children
and other pedestrians at risk.
If
unmarked, school zones extend to 500 feet in both directions
upon a highway from the end of the school grounds, whether
a physical barrier is present or not. If you suspect
that you are approaching a playground, lower your speed
to 15 mph at least 500 feet in advance.
Finally,
animal crossing signs tell you to slow down and look
out. Animals behave unpredictably for example,
deer freeze when they see headlights. So, be extra cautious
when you see an animal crossing sign. Especially at
dawn or dusk when wild animals are more likely to be
present.
Traffic
Signals
Some
of the most important information you see on the road
is the flashiest. Traffic signals control the flow of
traffic at intersections. In many states, including
Nevada, you may turn right at a red traffic signal after
you have come to a complete stop, unless prohibited
by a sign. When you turn right on red, watch out for
pedestrians and oncoming traffic they have the
right-of-way. If a traffic signal turns yellow as you
are approaching an intersection, stop before entering
the intersection if you can do so safely without causing
a rear-end collision. If you are already in the intersection
when the light turns yellow, keep going: it is not safe
to accelerate before the signal turns from yellow to
red. Other traffic may not see you in time to avoid
a collision.
Flashing
Signal Lights
A
flashing yellow light means that you should slow down
and proceed through the intersection with caution. Keep
in mind that cross traffic may not stop even though
they are supposed to.
Regard
a flashing red light as a STOP sign. Stop at the intersection
and wait until there is an adequate break in traffic
before entering the intersection.
If
the light is flashing red on all sides, treat it as
an all-way stop sign.
If
two or more drivers arrive simultaneously at an all-way
stop sign, the driver to your right has the right-of-
way. If possible, maintain eye contact with the other
driver, particularly when proceeding through the intersection.
If
the intersection has no signs, or the traffic control
signal is not working, treat it as an all-way stop.
Some
traffic signals tell you when you may proceed in a specific
direction. For example, if there is a red arrow or red
light signal controlling your lane you must stop, even
though traffic traveling in the next lane has the green
signal. A green arrow signal indicates that you may
go, but opposing traffic may not cross your path. If
the arrow goes off and no red arrow or signal appears,
you may still turn left, but you must now yield to opposing
traffic. Look for a safe opening to make your turn.
Make sure that the light is still green when you move
into the intersection. If the light turns yellow while
you are already in the intersection, you are allowed
to finish making your turn. Finally, if a police officer
or crossing guard is present, their directions overrule
any traffic signal.
These
general guidelines to traffic signals are always subject
to local laws.
Route
Signs
It
is always nice to know where you are going. If you understand
how routes are numbered and marked, you will always
be in the right lane at the right time.
Route
signs mark federal interstates and other roadways, state
highways or county and municipal roadways. The interstate
system uses a shield symbol that is blue on the bottom
with a red band across the top, like this:
The
primary route number is either a single or double digit
number.
North South |
routes
have odd numbers |
East West |
routes
have even numbers |
| Spurs
and loops extend from a primary interstate: |
 |
A
spur is a short route that extends to the primary route
at only one end. It has a three-digit number that begins
with an odd number. A loop is a route that meets the
primary route at both ends. Its three-digit route number
begins with an even number. Loops usually bypass cities
or congested areas.
| US
routes that are not part of the US interstate system
have signs like this:
|
 |
The
numbering system, however, is similar.
North South |
routes
have odd numbers |
East West |
routes
have even numbers |
State,
county and municipal roadways use numbering systems
similar to federal routes; however, the shape and color
of route signs vary among states, counties, and municipalities.
On
limited-access highways and some other roadways, exit
signs are placed before the exit. On rural roads, these
are at least one mile ahead. These signs give you plenty
of warning so you know what is ahead.
Route
signs are also placed just after the entrance to a roadway.
They help you orient yourself and provide confirmation
that you are on the right road. Mile post markers tell
you your position on the route. They are located every
mile among many major routes.
Mile
markers indicate the beginning of the route starting
from the south or west state line or from the junction
from which the route begins. Use these mile markers
if you need to call for help. Many police and emergency
services monitor channel nine on the citizens
band frequency and special cellular phone numbers.
Understanding
the signs, signals, and markings that you see as you
drive will help make your trip safer and easier. In
addition, remember to stay alert: pay attention, watch
out for the other person, and always wear your safety
belts.