An Overview of Some Importance Road Signs, Markings and Their Meaning and Why Are They Importance to Road Users

Abstract

Traffic control devices are an important part of road infrastructure, among which road markings and road
signs play a significant role. Road markings and signs represent basic means of communication between
the road authorities and road users and, as such, provide road users with necessary information about the
rules, warnings, obligations, and other information related to the upcoming situations and road alignment.
The core aim of this research is to understand some importance road signs and road markings by the
motorists which most of drivers did not understand or failed to observe while driving on the road and
moreover presented meaning of some road signs and markings used on the road as well. Similarly, the study
pointed out why these signs and road markings are importance to motorists and pedestrians. The study used
secondary data from other scholars published in peer-reviewed journals, conference proceedings,
professional report, and hardcopies of text books, magazines and newspapers to provide this paper. The
most significant characteristic of road sign and road markings is their retro reflectivity. The researcher
found out that the studies carried out to date regarding the impact of road signs and road markings retro
reflectivity on the occurrence of road accidents provided inconclusive results particularly on the areas of
snow, during rainfall and heavy storms. The previous research carried out by many scholars indicated high
impact of road signs and road markings on road safety in dry areas both to motorists and pedestrians.
Therefore, the researcher of this paper has recommended when road signs and road markings to be
effectively; road signs and markings must be designed and implemented in a way that the messages they
convey are clear, unambiguous, visible and legible during the days and nights and in any weather
conditions. Moreover, maintenance of road signs and markings damages by vehicles or faded due to time
is equally important.