What message will be found on this yellow pennant-shaped sign?
Right turns only.
Right turns permitted.
No passing zone.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
The correct answer is “No passing zone.”
Explanation
The yellow pennant-shaped sign indicates a no-passing zone. It is one of the most recognizable and distinct road signs in the United States. Its unique shape—a sideways triangle pointing to the right—is specifically designed to grab a driver’s attention and provide critical information about road safety.
- Purpose of the Sign:
- The “No Passing Zone” sign is typically located on the left side of a roadway at the beginning of a stretch where passing other vehicles is unsafe.
- This sign is used on two-lane roads where visibility is limited due to curves, hills, or other obstructions. It ensures drivers are aware that passing another vehicle in this area would endanger themselves and others.
- Why It’s Pennant-Shaped:
- The pennant shape is distinctive and ensures that drivers can quickly identify its meaning, even at high speeds. It is the only traffic sign that uses this particular shape, making it unique and easily recognizable.
- Color and Placement:
- The sign is yellow with black text or symbols, emphasizing caution.
- Unlike most traffic signs, which are placed on the right-hand side, this sign is installed on the left-hand side of the road. This placement further reinforces its association with passing zones and ensures it is seen before drivers consider overtaking.
- Legal and Safety Implications:
- Ignoring a “No Passing Zone” sign could lead to traffic violations and dangerous situations, including head-on collisions.
Incorrect Options:
- “Right turns only” or “Right turns permitted” are associated with rectangular or arrow-shaped signs indicating lane direction or turn restrictions. They are not relevant to pennant-shaped signs.
By understanding and obeying this sign, drivers can contribute to safer roads and prevent accidents.