Why are Traffic Signs Important?
Traffic signs provide valuable information to drivers and other road users. They represent rules that are in place to keep you safe, and help to communicate messages to drivers and pedestrians that can maintain order and reduce accidents. Neglecting them can be dangerous.
Most signs make use of pictures, rather than words, so that they are easy to understand and can be interpreted by people who speak a variety of languages. For this reason, it’s important that you know what each picture represents, and that you use them to inform your driving. Failing to do so could result in a serious accident or a fine.
What Do the Different Traffic Signs Mean?
Traffic signs come in a variety of shapes and colors, and each has a specific meaning. The different shapes and colors are there to help you identify a sign as quickly as possible, without interrupting your driving.
According to the Road Traffic Management Corporation, the various road traffic signs are classified into four main groups and sub-categories, for example:
Regulatory: Control/Command/Prohibition/Reservation
Warning: Road Layout/Direction of Movement
Guidance: Location/Route Markers/Direction
Temporary: Command/Prohibition
For more information, see Highway Code of Uganda published in 2009 under Ministry of Works and Transport.
What Do Speed Signs Look Like?
Speed signs are some of the most important and common traffic signs you’ll find on the roads, and it’s crucial that you obey them. Speed signs are round signs with a red circle around the edge and a black number inside. The number indicates the maximum speed (in kilometers per hour) you are permitted to drive in that area. It applies until you see another sign, indicating that the limit has changed. As you leave a major city, you’ll likely find that the numbers on speed signs go up from 60 to 80 to 100 and finally 120, which is the maximum speed limit on Uganda’s highways.
Round signs that have a blue background and a number written in white inside them indicate the minimum speed limit in that area. A blue sign with the number 50 written in it means that you cannot driver slower then 50km/h no matter which lane you are travelling in.
Why Should You Teach Your Children about Road Signs?
Even if your children aren’t old enough to drive just yet, it’s important that they know how to recognize and interpret the traffic signs around them. Many signs apply not only to drivers, but to pedestrians too, and children who are able to read these signs correctly are more likely to stay safe as they walk along and cross Uganda’s roads.
Teach your children what stop and pedestrian crossing signs look like, as well as any signs that are found near their schools and playgrounds. Children also need to know that just because these signs are in place, it doesn’t mean they can walk across a road
without looking. They have to respect cars and other vehicles, and must always look left and right.
Remember, too, that children learn how to behave on the roads from their parents – they’re watching your every move. The better you adhere to traffic signs, and the more carefully you drive, the more likely your children are to become safe and responsible drivers as adults.
There are countless signs on Uganda’s roads, some of which are more common than others, but all of which are important. Any additional information you would like to know about them can be found in the Uganda’s Traffic Code of 2009. If there are any that you are unfamiliar with, make sure you educate yourself today for your safety and the safety of everyone else.
At Team Media, we’re passionate about keeping Ugandan families safe on the road. That’s why we have a whole department dedicated to manufacturing Durable of Road Signs of more than 10years longevity.
Our Road signs have been tested and passed the test based on Ugandan
Standard; US 533:2006, British Standard; BS EN 12899-1:2005. Other material
test Certificates can only be requested by prospective
clients
We make road signs using Composite Panel (ACP), Hot dipped Galvanized sheet,
and Glass reinforced plastic (GRP), with artworks on high intensity Prismatic sheeting
also known as Engineering grade Self Adhesive vinyl that conforms to
ASTM(A) D4956 standard.
When you’re ready to get started on your next Road Signs project, contact Team Media at +256(0)775431570 for free consultation and quote.