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SIGN LANGUAGE

Half of UK drivers suffered a near miss due to a confusing road sign – do you know what these puzzling signals mean?

BRITISH drivers are being baffled by the nation's traffic signs.

The UK is known for its overuse of road signs, and it seems our motorists just can't get their heads around all of them.

Two thirds of drivers are baffled by British road signs
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Two thirds of drivers are baffled by British road signs

According to a study by 1ST CENTRAL, almost 55 per cent of UK drivers admitted to nearly crashing, or knew someone who had, due to misreading an unclear road sign.

Shockingly, two thirds of motorists said they were confused by basic signals on the road, including motorway, hazard and even speed limit signs.

And research has previously found more than half of drivers have made a wrong turn because they misunderstood a sign, while around 27 per cent broke the speed limit or indicated the wrong way.

So how many of the 10 most challenging signs in Britain can you correctly identify? Take the test and check your answers below.

How to avoid being baffled by Britain's road signs

1ST CENTRAL partnered with IAM RoadSmart to provide top tips for improving knowledge of road signs:

  1. Learn your road sign shapes: Round signs give orders to drivers, such as not to exceed the speed limit, while triangles indicate hazard warning signs.
  2. Use other visual clues: If you do come across a road sign you don't know, drive with caution and look out for other clues which may indicate what you need to be doing.
  3. Do your research: After safely pulling over, take the time to research what the sign was trying to tell you.
  4. Avoid changing direction at the last minute: If you do make a wrong turn, find a safe place to turn around and simply go back to where you went wrong.
  5. Keep up to date with the Highway Code: Getting to know and understand traffic signs will remove some of the stress from your journey.

1.

Almost half of Brits were left baffled by this sign
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Almost half of Brits were left baffled by this signCredit: n/a

2.

Not one of the most common, but drivers still need to know it
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Not one of the most common, but drivers still need to know itCredit: n/a

3.

Don't let this sign bend you out of shape
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Don't let this sign bend you out of shapeCredit: n/a

4.

This can apply to cars as well as trucks
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This can apply to cars as well as trucksCredit: n/a

5.

Drivers are often at a loss for direction when they come across this sign
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Drivers are often at a loss for direction when they come across this signCredit: n/a

6.

You'll want to look out for one of these to avoid a fine
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You'll want to look out for one of these to avoid a fineCredit: n/a

7.

15 per cent of Brits got this wrong
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15 per cent of Brits got this wrongCredit: n/a

8.

No, not the car brand
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No, not the car brandCredit: n/a

9.

A crucial one for motorway driving
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A crucial one for motorway drivingCredit: n/a

10.

Hint: It's not talking about emissions
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Hint: It's not talking about emissionsCredit: n/a

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Rodney Kumar, spokesman for IAM RoadSmart, said: "There are a lot of pressures on the modern motorist, with so much to think about and the potential for a lot of distraction.

"However, people need to realise there is no multi-tasking when it comes to driving – it needs all your concentration.

"People must catch up on their Highway Code to keep up to date on the latest developments like SMART motorways and new road signs.

"Don’t forget, very few journeys are actually urgent; it is fine to be late if it avoids the greater possibility of a crash."

ANSWERS: The top 10 confusing British road signs

  1. Two-way traffic crosses one-way road
  2. Migratory toad crossing
  3. Sharp bends ahead where traffic is diverted onto a temporary road for a short distance
  4. Risk of grounding
  5. Vehicles may pass either side to reach the same destination
  6. Parking allowed partially on verge/footway
  7. No entry for vehicles that weigh more than two tonne per axle
  8. Warning drivers of a ford (crossing) in the road ahead
  9. Traffic on the main carriageway coming from right has priority over joining traffic
  10. No vehicles carrying explosives are permitted
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