International Signals and Road Signs

Equipment Operator Basic - Beginning construction equipment operators manual
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Figure 5-14.—Winching with a like-vehicle. To winch a mired truck, use a truck with a winch of equal or greater capacity to perform the recovery. Often, the winching or recovery vehicle must be anchored by more than its own weight. Place wheel blocks, chocks, or natural material in front of the front wheels of the recovery vehicle. (See fig. 5-14.) For more information on vehicle recovery, refer to Vehicle Recovery Operations, FM 22-20. INTERNATIONAL SIGNALS AND ROAD SIGNS The international system used for traffic control devices emphasizes pictures and symbols, rather than written messages. Symbols have several advantages over word messages, such as the following: (1) they provide almost instant communication with the driver, because they can be understood at a glance without having to be read; and (2) they overcome language barriers which is important because of the growth of international travel. Familiarity with the symbolic signs can help Americans traveling abroad as well as foreigners visiting the United States. As the new signs are introduced, companion word messages will also be used until the public becomes accustomed to the new system. Figure 5-15 shows several traffic signs and markings that are used on U.S. roadways. Additional international signals and road signs are illustrated in appendix II. The color and shape of these signs are important. COLORS Red indicates a stop or a prohibition. Green shows movement permitted or gives directional guidance. Blue is for signs leading to motorist services. Yellow indicates a general warning. Black on white indicates regulatory signs, such as those for speed limits. Orange conveys construction and maintenance warnings. Brown is for public recreation and scenic guidance. SHAPES Diamond-shaped signs signify a warning. Rectangular signs with the longer dimension vertical contain a traffic regulation. Rectangular signs with the longer dimension horizontal contain guidance information. An octagon means stop; an inverted triangle means yield. A pennant means no passing; a pentagon shows the presence of a school. A circle warns of a railroad crossing. PAVEMENT MARKINGS Road markings on highways are yellow and white; however, each has a different meaning. White lines separate lanes of traffic going in the same direction. Yellow markings separate lanes of traffic traveling in different directions. Solid yellow lines indicate there should be no passing from either direction. Broken yellow lines indicate that you can pass with caution. Remember: You are traveling on a highway with traffic going in both directions. Solid white lines indicate there should be no lane changing. They are used at stoplights, turning lanes, and intersections on highways. Broken white lines indicate that cautious lane changes may be made. 5-12

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