SUBJECT NAME : Road Safety Engineering
SUBJECT CODE : BCV755A
DEPARTMENT : CIVIL ENGINEERING
Prepared by:
Dr. Vijay B G
Professor & Head
Department of Civil Engineering
SSSE, Tumakuru
MODULE 4
Traffic Design and Visual Aids
CONTENTS
1. Traffic Signs
2. Road markings
Traffic Signs
Traffic Signs
• The general principle of traffic signs is to make a
message known quickly, accurately, with minimum
reading skills required.
• This should allow traffic to meet the goal of the Safe,
rapid, and efficient transportation.
• Poor signs, signal, and traffic markings can lead to a
break down in the system.
• They are recognizable by shape and color, message
and diagram.
Types of traffic signs
1. Regulatory signs : These signs require the
driver to obey the signs for the safety of other
road users.
2. Warning signs : These signs are for the safety
of oneself who is driving and advice the
drivers to obey these signs.
3. Informative signs : These signs provide
information to the driver about the facilities
available ahead, and the route and distance to
reach the specific destinations
The regulatory signs may be classified under following
sub heads:
[Link] and Give way sign
[Link] signs
[Link] parking and no stopping sign
[Link] limit and vehicle control signs
[Link] ends sign
[Link] direction control and other signs
Stop and Give way Sign
Warning signs
• Warning signs or cautionary signs give
information to the driver about the
impending road condition. They advice the
driver to obey the rules.
• These signs are meant for the own safety of
drivers. They call for extra vigilance from
the part of drivers.
• The colour convention used for this type of
signs is that the legend will be black in
colour with a white background
Cont.
• The shape used is upward triangular or diamond
shape with red borders. It includes right hand curve
sign board, signs for narrow road, sign indicating
railway track ahead etc.
Prepared by:
Dr. Vijay B G
Associate Professor & Head
Department of Civil Engineering
SSSE, Tumakuru
Informative signs
• Informative signs also called guide signs, are provided
to assist the drivers to reach their desired destinations.
These are predominantly meant for the drivers who are
unfamiliar to the place.
Cont.
• Some of the examples for these type of signs are route
markers, destination signs, mile posts, service
information, recreational and cultural interest area
signing etc. Route markers are used to identify
numbered highways. They have designs that are
distinctive and unique.
• They are written black letters on yellow background.
Destination signs are used to indicate the direction to
the critical destination points, and to mark important
intersections.
Cont.
• Distance in kilometres are sometimes marked to the
right side of the destination. They are, in general,
rectangular with the long dimension in the
horizontal direction. They are colour coded as white
letters with green background.
• Mile posts are provided to inform the driver about
the progress along a route to reach his destination
• Service guide signs give information to the driver
regarding various services such as food, fuel,
medical assistance etc. They are written with white
letters on blue background. Information on historic,
recreational and other cultural area is given on white
letters with brown background
Road Markings
Roadway markings
• What do the LINES ON THE ROAD WAY indicate?
• Tell you which direction traffic is flowing
WHITE LINES
WHITE LINES
• indicate traffic traveling
in same direction.
Whites Lines
Mark Side of Road Between road and shoulder
YELLOW LINES
• mark the center of a
two-way road used for
two-way
traffic(OPPOSITE
DIRECTION)
BROKEN VS SOLID LINES
Broken=Passing Allowed
Solid= No passing
allowed
Both Center lines are SOLID
• NO PASSING ALLOWED
One center line is broken??
Passing only on one side with broken
line
Both Center Lines Broken
• Passing Allowed on
both sides
What direction is traffic going?
Is passing allowed?
What direction is traffic going?
Is passing allowed?
Passing
• 1. A motorist should know
• the proper lane for normal driving and how to change
lanes (KEEP TO THE RIGHT except when passing)
• Rules for passing: Depend on the road
• Car should stay to the right of the roadways center line
• Passing is only safe when there is no oncoming traffic
• Passing Must be completed before center lines are solid
again
Passing
• Which side are you allowed to pass?
• Defends on type of road….
• One lane roadway
– Motorist must pass on left only.
– EXCEPTION
– IF Motorist ahead is making a left hand turn and
there is room to pass
Passing
• Two or more lane roadway: where is passing
allowed.
• Can pass on either side as long as line is BROKEN
Prepared by:
Dr. Vijay B G
Associate Professor & Head
Department of Civil Engineering
SSSE, Tumakuru
Two solid yellow lines
mean no passing.
Never drive to the left of
these lines
• DO NOT PASS When there are double solid
yellow lines.
You may pass on a two-way road if
the yellow centerline is broken.
• When a solid and a broken yellow line are
together, you must not pass if you are driving
next to the solid line.
• BROKEN YELLOW
if it is on your side you may pass if movement
can be made safely
When should you not pass?
DO NOT PASS
DO NOT PASS
DO NOT PASS
Passing…is
allowed
Shared Turn
Lanes
Vehicles moving in
either direction
can use these
lanes to make left
turns into another
road or entrance
High Occupancy Lane
Design specifications of traffic signs in India : As per IRC:67
1. Classification of Traffic Signs:
I) Mandatory (Regulatory) Signs:
Purpose: Indicate laws and regulations that road users must follow.
Shape: Generally circular.
Color Scheme:
Red border
White background
Black symbol
Exceptions:
STOP: Octagonal with red background and white text.
GIVE WAY: Inverted triangle with red border and white background.
II) Cautionary (Warning) Signs:
Purpose: Warn road users about potential hazards or changing road
conditions.
Shape: Equilateral triangle with apex upwards.
Color Scheme:
Red border
White background
Black symbol
Design specifications of traffic signs in India : As per IRC:67
1. Classification of Traffic Signs:
III) Informatory Signs
Purpose: Provide information, guidance, and services to road users.
Shape: Rectangular or square.
Color Scheme:
Blue background with white symbols for services.
Green background with white lettering for direction and destination signs on
highways.
Brown background for tourist attractions.
White background with black lettering for local direction signs.
2. Standard Shapes and Sizes:
I) Regulatory Signs
Road Type Diameter (mm)
Rural Roads 600
Urban Roads 600
High-Speed Roads 900
Expressways 1200
Design specifications of traffic signs in India : As per IRC:67
ii) Warning sign:
Road Type Side Length (mm)
Rural/Urban 900
High-Speed Roads 1200
Expressways 1500
iii) Informatory Signs (Rectangular):
Road Type Typical Size (mm)
Urban Roads 600 × 600
Highways 900 × 900 or larger
Expressways As per visibility requirements
Design specifications of traffic signs in India : As per IRC:67
3) Mounting Height and Lateral Clearance:
Location Height (mm)
Rural Areas 1500
Urban Areas 2100
Overhead Signs ≥ 5500
4) Lateral Clearance (Edge of Carriageway to Sign):
Road Type Clearance
Rural Roads 1800 – 3000 mm
Urban Roads Minimum 600 mm
Medians As per available width
Design specifications of traffic signs in India : As per IRC:67
5) Materials and Construction:
•Sign Face: Aluminum sheets (typically 2–3 mm thick).
•Support Structure: Galvanized steel posts or gantries.
•Retro-reflective Seeting: As per ASTM D4956 or equivalent.
•Fasteners: Corrosion-resistant (stainless steel or galvanized).
Role of Traffic Signs in Road Safety:
1. Regulation of Traffic Movement
Traffic signs enforce road rules and legal requirements, ensuring orderly movement of vehicles and pedestrians.
Examples:
STOP and GIVE WAY signs control right-of-way.
Speed Limit signs regulate vehicle speeds.
No Entry and One Way signs prevent conflicts.
Safety Impact:
Reduces collisions at intersections.
Ensures compliance with traffic laws.
Minimizes traffic violations.
2. Warning of Potential Hazards
Cautionary (warning) signs alert drivers to upcoming dangers or unusual road conditions,
allowing them to take preventive action.
Examples:
Sharp curves
Narrow bridges
School zones
Slippery roads
Road works
Safety Impact:
Provides advance reaction time.
Helps drivers adjust speed and behavior.
3. Guidance and Information
Informatory signs assist road users in navigation and provide essential service information.
Examples:
Direction and destination signs
Hospital and petrol pump signs
Parking and rest area signs
Route markers
Safety Impact:
Prevents sudden lane changes or stops.
Reduces driver confusion and stress.
Enhances travel efficiency and comfort.
4. Enhancing Driver Awareness and Decision-Making
Traffic signs communicate critical information quickly and effectively, enabling drivers
to make timely and safe decisions.
Safety Impact:
Improves situational awareness.
Supports safe maneuvering at junctions and crossings.
Assists unfamiliar drivers and tourists.
5. Reduction of Accidents and Fatalities
By regulating, warning, and guiding road users, traffic signs significantly contribute to
lowering accident rates.
Safety Impact:
Decreases head-on and side-impact collisions.
Protects vulnerable road users such as pedestrians and cyclists.
Enhances safety in high-risk zones like school areas and construction sites.
6. Protection of Pedestrians and Cyclists
Signs such as Pedestrian Crossing, School Ahead, and Cycle Track create safer
environments for non-motorized users.
Safety Impact:
Encourages drivers to yield and reduce speed.
Promotes safer road-sharing practices.
Supports inclusive and sustainable mobility.
7. Support for Traffic Enforcement
Traffic signs provide the legal basis for enforcement by traffic authorities.
Safety Impact:
Enables penalization of violations.
Ensures uniform interpretation of traffic rules.
Strengthens road discipline.
8. Improving Traffic Efficiency and Flow
Well-placed signs minimize confusion and delays, leading to smoother traffic
operations.
Safety Impact:
Reduces congestion-related accidents.
Prevents erratic driving behavior.
Enhances overall network performance.
9. Night-Time and Adverse Weather Safety
Retro-reflective materials and illuminated signs ensure visibility during low-light and
poor weather conditions.
Safety Impact:
Maintains driver guidance at night.
Reduces accidents in fog, rain, or dust.
Enhances long-distance visibility.
Design specifications of Rod Markings in India : As per IRC:35
1. Classification of Road Markings:
A. Longitudinal Markings: Used to regulate traffic movement along the direction of
travel.
Type Description Typical Width
100 mm (2-lane), 150 mm
Centre Line Separates opposing traffic
(multi-lane)
Separates lanes moving in
Lane Line 100 mm
the same direction
Solid line indicating
No Overtaking Line 100–150 mm
overtaking prohibited
Edge Line Indicates road edge 100–150 mm
Design specifications of Rod Markings in India : As per IRC:35
1. Classification of Road Markings:
B. Transverse Markings: Used across the direction of traffic.
Marking Typical Dimensions Purpose
Indicates where vehicles
Stop Line 300 mm wide
must stop
Give Way Line 200 mm wide (broken) Indicates yielding priority
500 mm stripes with 500
Pedestrian Crossing (Zebra) Safe pedestrian crossing
mm gaps
Speed Breaker Markings Chevron/ladder pattern Warns of hump ahead
Design specifications of Rod Markings in India : As per IRC:35
1. Classification of Road Markings:
C. Object Markings:
Indicate the presence of physical obstructions on or near the roadway.
Diagonal Stripes: Alternate black and white or yellow and black.
Chevron Markings: Used on channelizing islands and medians.
Typical Stripe Width: 150–300 mm
D. Hazard Markings:
Used to warn drivers of approaching hazards such as narrow bridges or sharp curves.
Often combined with reflective studs or delineators
E. Parking Markings:
Type Dimensions Notes
Parallel Parking 2.5 m × 6.0 m Urban streets
Depends on angle (30°, 45°,
Angled Parking 2.5 m × 5.0 m
60°)
Disabled Parking Wider bays with symbol Near public facilities
Design specifications of Rod Markings in India : As per IRC:35
2. Colour Specifications:
Colour Application
Lane lines, centre lines, edge lines,
White
pedestrian crossings
Median/centre lines on divided roads, no-
Yellow
overtaking zones
Black Background on light-coloured pavements
Blue Parking for persons with disabilities
Special applications (e.g., cycle tracks or
Green/Red
bus lanes, where adopted)
Design specifications of Rod Markings in India : As per IRC:35
3. Dimensions and Patterns:
Broken Line Standards
Road Type Line Length Gap Length Width
Urban Roads 3m 3m 100 mm
Rural Roads 4.5 m 7.5 m 100 mm
Warning Line
(approaching 4.5 m 1.5 m 100 mm
hazard)
Design specifications of Rod Markings in India : As per IRC:35
4. Placement Guidelines:
Centre Line: Provided on roads with carriageway width ≥ 5.5 m.
Lane Lines: Used where there are two or more lanes in the same direction.
Edge Lines: Recommended on rural and high-speed roads.
Pedestrian Crossings: Located near intersections, schools, and bus stops.
Stop Lines: Placed 1.0–3.0 m in advance of the pedestrian crossing.
The End