Cautionary Road Signs (Traffic Signs) are like advisory without any obligation on road users to take some action. They are called Warning Signs as well. These signs warn road users about something or road condition that they need to be aware of for safe travel. Completely ignoring these signs may lead to accidents in worst case scenario.
Cautionary road signs are in triangular shape where border is in red colour, background in white and there could be an image in black colour.
Prominent Cautionary Road signs are listed here along with their brief explanation.
Left Curve
Road ahead has a curve / bend towards left side. Drive carefully, vehicle may skid if driven at high speed. Also if road does not have a divider then upcoming vehicles may not be visible until they are very close.
Right Curve
Road ahead has a curve / bend towards right side. Drive carefully, vehicle may skid if driven at high speed. Also if road does not have a divider then upcoming vehicles may not be visible until they are very close.
Narrow Bridge
There is a narrow bridge (width is smaller than the road) ahead. Slow down and drive carefully. Give way to incoming vehicles, which are already on the bridge. Self discipline is important on such bridges to be safe and prevent traffic jams.
Narrow Road
Width of road is going to be reduced and it will become narrow ahead. Self discipline is important on such roads to be safe and prevent traffic jams.
Traffic Signal Ahead
There is a Traffic Signal Ahead. Start slowing down and prepare to stop. You may have to stop if traffic signal red.
Manned Railway crossing
There is a manned railway crossing ahead. When a passenger or goods (train) passes, a barrier will block the road traffic to prevent any accidents.
Unmanned Railway crossing
There is a unmanned railway crossing ahead. All vehicle drivers are advised to stop before entering railway track and look for any incoming train. Proceed when it is safe to cross the railway track.
Steep Ascent
Road has a upward slope (ascent) ahead. There could be additional sign with this to inform us about how long this ascent will last and what is the gradient of ascent.
Steep Descent
Road has a downward slope (descent) ahead. There could be additional sign with this to inform us about how long this descent will last and what is the gradient of descent.
Men at Work
This sign is installed in construction zones and mostly are temporary in nature. It informs vehicle drivers that there are people working on road or roadside and advises them proceed with caution.
School
This sign cautions drivers that there is a school in vicinity. Kids may come running out of nowhere. Slowdown, look around and proceed carefully.
Pedestrian Crosswalk (Zebra Crossing)
Road has a Pedestrian Crosswalk for people to cross the road. This is also called Zebra crossing due to black and white pattern. Drive carefully and let people cross the road safely.
Slippery Road
Road ahead is slippery. It could be due to many factors like water, ice on the road etc. Slow down and drive carefully. At high speed vehicle may skid.
Hump (Speed breaker)
Road has a hump that makes road surface uneven. This hump might have been installed to force drivers to slowdown and also called as Speed Breaker. Crossing hump on high speed will cause a huge bump, which may harm the vehicle or passengers may get injured. In worst case, driver may lose control of vehicle and cause accident. Slow down and proceed carefully.
Roundabout
There is a roundabout ahead. Most likely there will be a Yield / Give Way sign as well at the entrance of roundabout. Enter into it with caution and give way to the vehicles, which are already inside it.
The description of Cautionary Road Signs posted along Indian roads is available in Telugu, Marathi and Hindi languages as well. You may choose the desired language from drop-down available at the top of page to see it in another language.
