The IAM Urges Motorists to Look Out For Traffic Signs Ahead

Road safety charity the IAM is offering weekly motoring tips from Britain’s top advanced driver, Peter Rodger. This week he offers drivers advice on dealing with road signs:

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

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

If a sign is unclear because of wear or leaves and branches, slow down to give yourself time to react to unexpected hazards.

Five minutes spent with the Highway Code can make understanding of signs much clearer.

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.

Never 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.

Rodger said: “Good traffic signs make driving safer, less stressful and save fuel. In a recent poll less than 20 per cent of respondents felt foliage clearance was being done well, so be prepared to slow down and deal with unexpected hazards.”

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