Environmental & Animal Hazard Warnings

Core Concepts

Learn to recognize signs for slippery surfaces, grade changes, animal crossings, and other physical or environmental hazards on or near the road.

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Advance Warning for Traffic Controls
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Environmental & Animal Hazard Warnings

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A yellow diamond-shaped warning sign displaying a black silhouette of a car skidding over curved tire tracks, indicating slippery road conditions when wet.
What does this 'Slippery When Wet' sign indicate?
The road surface becomes unusually slippery when it is wet from rain, snow, or ice. Reduce speed and avoid sudden turns, acceleration, or braking.
A yellow diamond-shaped deer crossing warning sign accompanied by a supplemental plaque reading "NEXT 1/2 MILES," alerting drivers to potential wildlife hazards along the roadway.
What precaution should you take when you see this 'Deer Crossing' sign?
Be extra alert, especially at dawn and dusk when deer are most active. Slow down and be prepared for animals to suddenly run onto the road. Remember that where there is one deer, there are often more.
Yellow diamond-shaped warning sign depicting a car next to a steep cliff with falling rocks, alerting drivers to rockfall hazards in mountainous terrain.
Where are 'Falling Rocks' signs commonly posted and what should you do?
They are common in mountainous or hilly areas. Do not stop or park in the area. Stay alert and watch for rocks that may have already fallen onto the road surface.
A yellow diamond-shaped warning sign reading BRIDGE ICES BEFORE ROAD, alerting drivers that elevated bridge surfaces freeze more rapidly than standard roadways during cold weather.
What does a text-based warning sign saying 'BRIDGE ICES BEFORE ROAD' mean?
It warns that bridge surfaces freeze faster than road surfaces because cold air circulates above and below them. Be extremely cautious of ice on bridges, even if the rest of the road seems clear.
What is the proper reaction to a 'High Wind' warning sign, often found on bridges or open plains?
Reduce your speed, keep a firm grip on the steering wheel, and be prepared for sudden gusts that can push your vehicle. This is especially important for high-profile vehicles.
Yellow diamond warning sign showing a car descending a steep slope, accompanied by a plaque reading "STEEP DESCENT TRUCKS USE LOW GEAR" to alert drivers to an upcoming downgrade.
What does this sign warn truck drivers and other motorists about?
A steep downgrade (hill) is ahead, with the percentage of the grade often shown. All drivers should be prepared to downshift to a lower gear to help control speed and prevent brake overheating.
A yellow diamond-shaped warning sign featuring a black silhouette of a farmer driving a tractor, alerting drivers to the potential presence of slow-moving farm machinery on the roadway.
What should you expect when you see a 'Farm Machinery' sign?
Slow-moving farm equipment (like tractors) may be on the road or crossing it. Be prepared to slow down significantly and pass only when it is clearly safe and legal to do so.
Yellow diamond-shaped warning sign illustrating a vehicle tilting onto an unstable roadside edge, warning drivers of a soft shoulder along a winding mountain highway.
What does a sign showing a truck tipping on a slope warn of?
This sign warns of a 'Soft Shoulder.' It means the unpaved ground next to the road is unstable and may not support a vehicle's weight. Driving on it, especially with a heavy vehicle, could cause you to lose control or roll over.
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