The Highway Code, Road Signs and Road User Behaviour

Reading the road

The road works only because everyone follows the same rules, and those rules are set out in the Highway Code. It exists so that every road user, whether driving, cycling or walking, behaves in a way the others can predict, which is what keeps the road safe. A large part of the Code is how road users are told what to do without words: through road signs, road markings painted on the surface, reflective studs that show up at night, and signals from drivers and from those directing traffic. Road signs carry their meaning in their shape and colour, so a road user can grasp the message in the moment they have to react. This module covers why the rules are needed, how to read road signs and markings, what reflective studs do, and how the risk of a collision is reduced.

Road words

Learn what each of these means before you use it.

Circular signs against triangular signs

The shape of a sign tells you what kind of message it carries.

How to read a sign at a glance

You can often tell what a road sign means before you read any words on it, by looking first at its shape and then at its colour. Train yourself to glance at the outline: is it round, three-sided or four-sided? Then look at the colour, because on a round sign the colour changes the message. Reading the shape and then the colour, in that order, lets you take in the meaning in the moment you have to react, rather than stopping to puzzle it out. The next steps let you practise matching each shape and each colour to what it tells a road user.

Match the sign to its message

What does the shape tell you?

You see a triangular sign with a red border at the roadside. What kind of message does its shape tell you to expect?

• a warning of a hazard ahead
• an order you must obey
• information about directions
• a speed limit you must keep to

True about the road

Select the TWO statements that are true.

• The Highway Code sets out rules so road users behave predictably
• Reflective road studs reflect light to help drivers see lanes at night
• Road signs have no fixed meaning and vary from driver to driver
• The Cycling Proficiency Scheme is only for car drivers

Shapes of sign

Road signs come in three main shapes: circles, triangles and rectangles. A lesson has already covered circles and triangles. Subtract to find how many of the three shapes are left to cover.

Order the response to a warning

Put these steps of responding safely to a warning sign in order.

• See the warning sign at the roadside
• Read what hazard it is warning about
• Slow down and get ready for the hazard
• Pass the hazard safely

Complete the road facts

The set of rules for all road users is the Highway _____. A road sign in the shape of a _____ gives an order. A sign in the shape of a triangle gives a _____. Reflective road studs help drivers to see the _____ of the road at night.

Match the road stud colour

Spot the true road facts

Tap the TWO statements that are true.

• A circular sign with a red ring shows something is prohibited
• The Highway Code helps all road users to behave safely
• A triangular sign gives information about parking
• Reflective road studs give out no light and cannot be seen at night

Read the road

Read each case and choose the best response, with a reason.

• You approach a round sign with a red ring and a number inside it. What is it most likely telling you?
• At night you see a line of amber reflective studs to your right on a dual carriageway. What do they mark?
• A young cyclist wants to learn to ride safely on the road. What would help most?

Explain the rules of the road

A friend is learning about road safety and asks how the Highway Code and road signs help keep road users safe. Explain the Highway Code, road signs and safe road behaviour.

• Explain why the Highway Code and its rules are needed
• Explain how the shape of a road sign shows whether it gives an order, a warning or information
• Explain what the colour of a circular sign adds to its meaning
• Explain what reflective road studs do
• Finish by explaining one way the risk of a road collision can be reduced