What is a slippery road sign and what does it mean?
REMEMBERING what road signs mean can be a struggle for some drivers.
It is important, however, for UK drivers to be aware of what the Highway Code signs signify as they keep you, and others on the road, safe.
What is a slippery road sign?
The slippery road sign is a warning sign that features a silhouette of a car with two swerving lines underneath it.
According to the Highway Code road laws, warning signs are mostly triangle.
They also normally feature a red outline to catch the attention of drivers.
There are five different kinds of signs in the Highway Code.
The five types are; warning signs, direction signs, signs giving orders, information signs, and road work signs.
Different shapes represent different things when it comes to road signs.
Typically, circular signs give an order, triangles contain a warning, and rectangular signs update drivers with current road information or tell them what is ahead.
Motorists must obey circular road signs or they are breaking the law.
What does it mean if you see a slippery road sign?
If you see a slippery road sign it means that there may be slippery conditions ahead.
A slippery road sign indicates that drivers should use extreme caution and slow their speed – especially if the road is wet or icy.
The sign can often be seen near bridges or overpasses.
This is due to the fact that they are normally the first to freeze and last to thaw in icy weather.
How can you prepare to drive on slippery roads?
If drivers see a slippery road sign, there are several steps they can take to ensure their safety.
First, you should reduce your speed if you see a slippery road sign.
It is advised to drive slowly and not make any abrupt changes to your direction.
You should make turns at a very slow speed and not brake sharply as braking distances are much longer on icy and wet roads, due to tyre grip being reduced.
Drivers should also increase the distance between their vehicle and any that are ahead.
According to RAC, you should leave up to 10 times the normal recommended gap between you and the car in front when driving in icy conditions.