Warning signs: crossings, schools and intersections
A 3-minute lesson from the Illinois course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.
Warning signs alert you to conditions ahead so you can slow down in time. Most are yellow diamonds. Pedestrian, bicycle and school signs may be fluorescent yellow-green, and construction signs are orange.
Know the rule
Warning signs are usually diamond-shaped and warn about road hazards, construction sites, schools and other situations needing attention. Most are yellow. Some communities use fluorescent yellow-green for pedestrian, bicycle and school signs.
A pedestrian crosswalk sign means there's a crosswalk ahead. Crosswalks aren't always at intersections, so watch both sides of the street. A yellow flashing beacon on the sign increases driver awareness.
School signs warn of school areas and crossings. Crossing guards, auxiliary police or police officers often supervise, and school safety patrols may help. Slow down and stop when necessary.
Of the four school signs, the first two warn of a school crossing ahead or school grounds next to the road. The last two are posted at school crosswalks.
STOP AHEAD, YIELD AHEAD and SIGNAL AHEAD signs warn of traffic controls you can't see yet. Start slowing down. They're also used in high-speed areas, where stopping takes longer.
These signs warn of intersections ahead where there may be cross traffic or where a right or left turn may be required. A sign naming the intersecting road may also be posted.
A yellow diamond showing a pedestrian with a flashing yellow beacon appears mid-block. Slow down and scan both sides of the street. A crosswalk is ahead even though there's no intersection.
Check your understanding
Read the question, decide on an answer, then open it to check the explanation. These are Roadwise study questions based on the source handbook.
What color are most warning signs in Illinois?
Blue
Orange
Red
Yellow
Answer: Yellow
Most warning signs are yellow, though some are yellow-green or orange.
