Did you know...?

"ttyymmnn" (ttyymmnn) 07/02/2014 at 10:16 • Filed to: None

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The stripes on a highway barricade are not arbitrary. They actually provide directional information. When placed correctly, the stripes on a barricade point down and in the direction of safe passage. In the example above, the barricade is telling you to pass on the left side of the obstacle.

Yellow and black (or other colors) object signs work the same way. You'll see these most often on bridge railings and piers, or traffic islands. Again, the downward slope of the arrows will indicate the side to pass on, and the chevron will tell you that you need to go on either side of the obstacle.

Lumpy44, Proprietor Of Fine Gif > ttyymmnn 07/02/2014 at 10:20

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I had two questions about this on my drivers test actually. Seems like most people have no clue though.

BoulderZ > ttyymmnn 07/02/2014 at 10:22

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I did not know that, and that is in fact very cool. This had all the makings of a craptastic day, but now at least I have learned something new today no matter what else happens. Thanks!

Vi517, JDX Racing > ttyymmnn 07/02/2014 at 10:22

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The more you know. But I don't think the construction workers where I live are smart enough to correctly set them up. There is a lot of construction at the moment, so I'll check today.

ttyymmnn > Lumpy44, Proprietor Of Fine Gif 07/02/2014 at 10:22

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I think most people just see them as a way of grabbing your attention or for higher visibility. I only learned about them a few years ago. Now I pay attention to the construction barricades to see if they are placed correctly. Most are.

ttyymmnn > Vi517, JDX Racing 07/02/2014 at 10:23

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I think (hope) that you may be surprised. I see very few that are incorrectly placed.

ttyymmnn > BoulderZ 07/02/2014 at 10:24

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My work here is done. Time to start drinking.

Lumpy44, Proprietor Of Fine Gif > ttyymmnn 07/02/2014 at 10:27

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I have noticed the right down slope ones where the chevron one should be used but typically you just stay to the right anyway so its not a big deal.

jariten1781 > ttyymmnn 07/02/2014 at 10:29

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You will now drive yourself crazy knowing this because they're often placed incorrectly. It's a lot like exit signs where the smaller plate is to be offset left, right, or centered to tell you what direction the exit is in, but the installers only do it correct 80% of the time.

ttyymmnn > jariten1781 07/02/2014 at 10:30

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That was going to be my next installment of "Did you know...?"

RacecaR > ttyymmnn 07/02/2014 at 10:33

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Great, now I have something else to distract me while driving!

BJ > ttyymmnn 07/02/2014 at 10:45

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Neat!

I wonder how often this is correctly implemented here? I'll keep my eyes opened from now on, but based on how they paint the lines on the road, I'm not holding my breath for a passing grade...

ttyymmnn > BJ 07/02/2014 at 10:47

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I think you'll be pleasantly surprised. I learned this about 15 years ago, and have been paying attention ever since. The permanent object markers are pretty much never wrong, and I rarely see a temporary construction barricade that is wrong. But I'm sure it happens.

BoulderZ > ttyymmnn 07/02/2014 at 10:54

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If I didn't have stabbing stomach pains this morning, I'd join you. Call it "brunch" and it's even respectable in polite company, right? :)