Road signs - six of the best tips from the IAM

Driver training specialist IAM Drive & Survive is offering weekly motoring tips to drivers from its head of training, Simon Elstow. This week he is advising on road signs.

Look well ahead to see road signs – the more time you give yourself to see them the better. They give information and guidance on hazards, road layouts and directions – don’t ignore them.

Be careful where there are temporary signs – they are there for a specific reason.

If you notice a sign that is misspelt, is misleading, overcrowded or hidden by dirt and foliage, report it to the council. The message has to be clear so that drivers can act on them immediately.

Read the road signs to double check your route – don’t rely too heavily on your sat-nav in case things have changed.

If you notice a sign too late, don’t make a last minute manoeuvre that could be dangerous, such as a sharp turn, sudden braking or a u-turn. Drive on until you find a safe place to turn around.

Most triangular warning signs for junctions and bends are only put up after a fatality or a number of serious injuries.

Five minutes spent with the Highway Code can make understanding of signs much clearer.
 
Elstow said: “Road signs are often seen as one of those things you only learn for your driving test. While you might not know what each and every sign means, it’s always good to brush up and read the Highway Code every once in a while.”