3.2 Warning Signs
Unlike regulatory signs that give commands, warning signs are designed to make you aware of potential dangers or unusual conditions ahead. They give you time to adjust your driving—by slowing down, changing your lane position, or simply being more alert. For K53, recognizing and reacting appropriately to warning signs is a key indicator of a defensive driver.
Warning signs in South Africa are easily identifiable: they are almost always an upward-pointing triangle with a red border, a white background, and a black symbol that illustrates the hazard.
A. Signs Warning About Road Layout and Intersections
These signs prepare you for changes in the road’s direction or structure.
- (Image: Triangle with a sharp right-angle bend arrow) – Sharp Curve Ahead (Left/Right): Prepare to slow down significantly to safely navigate the bend.
- (Image: Triangle with a gentler curved arrow) – Gentle Curve Ahead (Left/Right): A less severe curve, but still requires attention.
- (Image: Triangle with two opposite curves, like an ‘S’) – Series of Curves Ahead: The road ahead has multiple bends.
- (Image: Triangle with a road narrowing on both sides) – Road Narrows Ahead: The road width decreases. Ensure you have enough space between you and other vehicles.
- (Image: Triangle with a ‘+’ symbol) – Crossroads Ahead: A four-way intersection is coming up. Be prepared for cross-traffic.
- (Image: Triangle with a ‘T’ symbol) – T-Junction Ahead: The road you are on will end. You must turn left or right.
- (Image: Triangle with two arrows merging into one) – Lanes Merge Ahead: Two separate lanes will combine into one. Be prepared to yield if necessary.
- (Image: Triangle with two arrows pointing up and down) – Two-Way Traffic Ahead: You are leaving a one-way road and entering a road with oncoming traffic.
(Image Suggestion: A gallery grid showing these key road layout warning signs, such as Sharp Curve, Crossroads, and T-Junction.)
B. Signs Warning About Road Conditions
These signs alert you to potential issues with the road surface or environment.
- (Image: Triangle with a car skidding) – Slippery Road Ahead: The road surface may be unusually slippery, especially when wet. Reduce speed and avoid harsh braking or steering.
- (Image: Triangle with rocks falling from a cliff) – Falling Rocks Ahead: Be alert for rocks or debris on the road surface, particularly in mountainous areas.
- (Image: Triangle with a hump symbol) – Speed Hump Ahead: A traffic calming hump is on the road. Slow down to avoid damaging your vehicle.
- (Image: Triangle with an uneven road surface symbol) – Uneven Road Ahead: The road surface is in poor condition. Reduce speed for better control.
- (Image: Triangle with a gate symbol) – Gate or Boom Ahead: There is a gate, boom, or other barrier across the road.
C. Signs Warning About Other Road Users
These signs are critical for anticipating the presence of people or animals.
- (Image: Triangle with a pedestrian symbol) – Pedestrian Crossing Ahead: Be prepared to stop for people crossing the road.
- (Image: Triangle with two children figures) – Children Ahead: You are near a school or playground. Be extremely cautious and reduce your speed.
- (Image: Triangle with a cyclist symbol) – Cyclists Ahead: Be aware of cyclists on or near the roadway. Give them plenty of space when passing.
- (Image: Triangle with a cow/buck symbol) – Animals Ahead: Wild or domestic animals may be on the road. This is common in rural and game park areas.
- (Image: Triangle with a tractor symbol) – Agricultural Vehicles Ahead: Slow-moving farm vehicles may be on the road. Be patient and only overtake when it is safe.
D. Temporary Warning Signs
These signs are often used for temporary situations like road construction. They have the same triangular shape but usually have a yellow background instead of white.
- (Image: Yellow triangle with a person digging) – Roadworks Ahead: Be prepared for workers, machinery, and possible detours or lane closures.
- (Image: Yellow triangle with a flag-waving person) – Flagman Ahead: A traffic controller is ahead who will direct you with a flag or sign. You must obey their signals.