Types of signs and markings on the highway through Ha Tinh that drivers need to pay attention to

There are only a few days left until the expected date (April 28) for the two main expressways Bai Vot - Ham Nghi and Ham Nghi - Vung Ang in Ha Tinh to be put into operation. These days, contractors are still urgently completing items on the two expressways such as painting road markings, installing hard dividers, reinforcing roadside, guardrails, traffic sign systems, anti-glare nets, protective fences, etc.

In the traffic safety signal system, the installation of adequate traffic signs is one of the important factors. Most of the signs on the highway are basic signs in the traffic signal system, but with the characteristics of the highway, drivers need to clearly understand the meaning and effects of signs and road markings.

Common types of signs found on highways include entrances/exits, information signs, landmarks, safe distances, lane merging, narrow roads, maximum/minimum speeds. For drivers who rarely use highways, knowing and understanding traffic signs contributes to safe and efficient driving and reduces congestion.

Entrance, exit and intersection signs are common signs when drivers travel on the highway. These signs clearly state information such as the name of the road, the distance from the sign to the entrance/exit and intersection, so they are quite easy to understand for drivers, even new drivers.

Drivers should note that once they have passed the highway entrance sign, they will not be allowed to turn around right there like on national highways or local roads, but must continue their journey to the exit point. Therefore, drivers need to clearly determine whether the highway is the desired route or not, because once they have entered the highway, they need to go to the exit, they are not allowed to turn around or go backwards, which will not only cause traffic safety problems but also result in penalties for violations.

Maximum and minimum speed signs are intended to ensure that vehicles travel on the highway in the most efficient and safe way. Maximum speed signs are circular, white background, red border, and numbers in the middle. For example, in the sign above, the maximum speed is 90 km/h, the minimum is 60 km/h. When there is no specific speed limit for each lane, it means that each lane has the same speed limit.

Along the highway through Ha Tinh, there will be signs indicating locations and directions; locations and distances and one-way exits. Signs help drivers orient themselves and move on the correct route.

To help drivers estimate the safe distance between vehicles, there will be safe distance signs along the highway, numbered 0 - 50 - 100 - 150 - 200m. In addition, there are often zebra-shaped lines on the road surface. Drivers can estimate the distance to the vehicle in front by approaching the 0m position, then observing the vehicle in front and comparing it with the length markers.

Lane entry signs are often found on branch roads of highway junctions. When encountering this sign, drivers need to pay attention, drive at the correct speed and enter the lane at the permitted location, ensuring safety conditions.

In the investment phase, the expressway through Ha Tinh has 4 lanes (2 lanes in each direction), no emergency lanes, instead, there will be emergency stopping strips with a distance of 4-5 km/point. Emergency stopping strips are only used when the vehicle has an accident, the driver loses the ability to drive, to handle an accident, the vehicle is given priority on duty or in emergency cases according to regulations. It is prohibited to stop or park illegally, without a valid reason, reverse or turn the vehicle, use the emergency stopping lane for personal purposes.

Along with maximum/minimum speed signs, at some sections of the highway, usually at the intersections entering/exiting the highway, there will be signs limiting the maximum speed of 70 km/h and 50 km/h. Limiting the maximum speed when entering/exiting the highway helps ensure the safety of people and vehicles.

At some locations on the highway, especially the section with power lines passing through or the overpass area connecting residential traffic on both sides of the highway, there are signs showing "actual clearance height" to help drivers clearly understand the safe height calculated from the distance from the highest point of the road surface to the lowest point of the obstacle.