Hazard warning: part 1

Hazard warning: part 1: how to read them

This chapter teaches 6 signs from the official manual: Emergency flashing light, Temporary police flashing light, Drift, Low-flying aircraft, Collision, Reduced visibility.

Read the wording and symbol on each sign carefully. They tell you who the sign applies to, where it applies and what you must do, and two signs that look alike can apply to different road users.

Key idea: Check who a sign applies to before deciding what it means for you.

Emergency flashing light — W346

How to read it. This sign warns that a hazard lies ahead. It does not name the hazard itself, so you must read other signs for the detail.

Where you meet it. It can be used on any road.

What to do. Slow down when you see it. Look out for other road traffic signs that point out the specific hazard. It applies to every driver on that road.

In practice. You are driving on a regional road and see this sign. You ease off the accelerator and scan ahead for the next sign that explains what the danger is.

Easily confused. It is easy to think this sign tells you what the hazard is, but it only warns that one exists.

Key idea: Flashing-light warning: slow down and look for signs naming the hazard.

Temporary police flashing light — TW347

How to read it. This temporary sign warns of a scene where police are on duty, such as a temporary stop sign, collision scene or roadblock.

Where you meet it. It can be placed on any road.

What to do. Be ready to stop. You may need to stop at the stop sign that follows the flashing blue light, or when a police officer tells you to. It applies to all drivers approaching the scene.

In practice. On a national road you see the flashing light and slow down. Ahead a roadblock has a stop sign, and you stop there as required.

Easily confused. This is a warning of a possible stop, not the stop sign itself; the stop sign comes after it.

Key idea: Police flashing light ahead: be ready to stop at the sign or on demand.

Drift — W350

How to read it. This sign warns that a drift lies ahead, meaning the road could be flooded there.

Where you meet it. It is used on any road, especially in rural areas.

What to do. Slow down. If you do not know how deep the water is, stop. If it is passable, drive through the water slowly. It applies to every driver on that road.

In practice. On a rural road after rain you see this sign and slow down. The water depth is unclear, so you stop to judge it before crossing carefully.

Easily confused. It is not a sign for a bridge or a normal wet road; it warns the road itself could be flooded.

Key idea: Drift ahead: slow down, and stop if you do not know the depth.

Low-flying aircraft — W351

How to read it. This sign warns that low-flying aircraft and sudden aircraft noise are possible near the road.

Where you meet it. It is used on any road, especially near airports.

What to do. Stay calm if an aircraft passes low or makes a sudden noise. Do not get frightened and do not brake suddenly. It applies to all drivers passing the area.

In practice. You are driving past an airport and an aircraft roars overhead. You keep your speed steady and hold the steering wheel firmly instead of slamming the brakes.

Key idea: Low aircraft noise ahead: stay calm and never brake suddenly.

Collision — TW353

How to read it. This temporary sign warns of a collision scene ahead where the road may be blocked and people may be working or injured.

Where you meet it. It can be placed on any road.

What to do. Slow down immediately, watch for someone controlling traffic and be ready to stop. If there is enough or professional help at the scene, do not stop out of curiosity. Do not stare at the wreckage; concentrate on your route without driving over or into anything.

In practice. You come around a bend and see this sign. You slow down, see a traffic officer waving cars through and keep your eyes on your path past the wreckage.

Key idea: Collision ahead: slow down, be ready to stop, and do not gawk.

Reduced visibility — W354

How to read it. This sign warns that visibility on the road ahead may be reduced, which could be hazardous to road users.

Where you meet it. It is used on any road where there is fog or smoke.

What to do. Look out for fog or smoke and slow down. Watch for other slow-moving vehicles. It applies to all drivers on that stretch.

In practice. On a road near a veld fire you see this sign. You slow down and watch carefully for vehicles ahead that are moving slowly.

Key idea: Fog or smoke ahead: slow down and watch for slow vehicles.

Quick recap

• Emergency flashing light (W346): Flashing-light warning: slow down and look for signs naming the hazard.
• Temporary police flashing light (TW347): Police flashing light ahead: be ready to stop at the sign or on demand.
• Drift (W350): Drift ahead: slow down, and stop if you do not know the depth.
• Low-flying aircraft (W351): Low aircraft noise ahead: stay calm and never brake suddenly.
• Collision (TW353): Collision ahead: slow down, be ready to stop, and do not gawk.
• Reduced visibility (W354): Fog or smoke ahead: slow down and watch for slow vehicles.