The rules of the road must be known to everyone who drives. Questions about traffic signals are included in the exam tickets offered to drivers. Studying this topic takes a lot of time in a driving school. How easy is it to remember traffic signals? The article contains the answer to this question.
Traffic controller - who is it?
Traffic controller can be called a "live traffic light." Its signals are intended for pedestrians and drivers of vehicles. They are not only mandatory, but also priority over traffic signals, markings and signs. Below in the picture is a verse about the traffic controller, which emphasizes the importance of his role.
In the work of the inspector, everything is important: the position of the body and hands, additional gestures. When signaling, either a white-and-black-colored rod or a disk equipped with a red reflector is used. The change of position is traditionally accompanied by the sound of a whistle. The inspector, depending on his direction, can both allow movement and prohibit it. This is also reminiscent of a verse about the traffic controller.
However, even in the absence of special means in the hands of the traffic controller, its signals remain mandatory for road users.
When is he needed
Knowledge of the main signals of the traffic controller (explanations are presented later in the article) will help to pass exams better and not get lost in the wilds of traffic rules. However, to begin with, it is worthwhile to understand in what situations you can meet an inspector on the road. The reasons for its appearance may be different.
- Dangerous traffic situation. For example, traffic jams, kilometer traffic jams may form. It requires the presence of a law enforcement representative whose primary concern is security.
- Traffic light breakdown. Far from always failing the device can be quickly repaired.
- Busy traffic. The presence of a traffic controller may also become a necessity in this case.
The main signals of the traffic controller with explanations
So, the importance of the role of traffic inspector is not in doubt. However, on the road it can be met infrequently, and even experienced motorists can get confused. How easy is it to remember the signals of the traffic controller for those who are accustomed to focus on traffic lights, markings and signs? Below is a general outline that tells how drivers and pedestrians who are from the inspector from different directions should act.
Now it is worth examining each signal in more detail. This will help to better remember them.
Stick raised up
How easy is it to remember the traffic controller’s signals to candidate drivers and novice motorists? "The stick is directed upward - she tells everyone to stand." This rule, stated in poetic form, should be learned first.
It doesn’t matter which part of the body the traffic controller turned to the traffic participant if his hand was directed to the sky. In any case, this means that drivers and pedestrians must remain in place. Traffic in any direction is strictly prohibited.
The hand-up signal is used to clear the intersection. First of all, it is necessary in order to ensure the passage of special vehicles. This inspector gesture is equivalent to a yellow traffic light.
However, there is a situation where you should not stop even after such a signal. If the vehicle has already traveled to the intersection before the inspector raised his hand, it can continue to move. If the signal caught on the pedestrian road, they should either stop in the middle or leave it.
Stick looks right
No less important are other signals from the traffic controller - how easy is it to remember and not to forget them anymore? "The stick is looking to the right - you have no right to ride." Vehicles and pedestrians to the right of the inspector must stop and wait for further directions.
This signal of the traffic controller should be perceived as a red traffic light, prohibiting movement.
Stick looks to the left
Other inspector signals are also important for road users. "The stick looks to the left - go like a queen." This rhymed line, designed for better memorization, unambiguously interprets the signal of the traffic controller. It allows road users to move in any direction.
However, trams do not fall under this rule. The signal allows them exclusively to move to the left. Also, everyone should not forget about the markings and road signs.
Stick extended forward
What other signals (gestures) of the traffic controller should I pay attention to? "The stick is looking into the mouth - take the right turn." Participants in the movement can turn right if the inspector turns to them with his chest and points a rod in their direction. At the same time, they are strictly forbidden to move in other directions.
The photo above shows how this signal of the traffic controller should look.
Chest and back
What other prohibition signals are there from the traffic controller? “The bare chest and back are a wall for the driver!” It must be remembered that movement is prohibited when the inspector turns around with his face or back to his participants. The hands of the traffic controller can be spread apart or lowered on the sides.
This position is equivalent to a red traffic light.
For pedestrians
Not only drivers, but also pedestrians should be responsible for the rules of the road. All gestures and signals of the traffic controller are intended not only for people driving. If car owners learn the rules in a driving school, then pedestrians are far from always being properly prepared to enter the traffic area.
- Did the inspector spread his arms to the sides or lower them along the body? If the traffic controller stands sideways to the pedestrian, then he can cross the road. "So I turned sideways - the path is clear ahead." If the guard is with his back or facing the participant in the movement, then he needs to stop and wait for permission.
- The inspector's right hand is stretched forward. In this case, the pedestrian has the right to cross the road only when he is behind the traffic controller.
- Hand raised up. In this case, all participants in the movement are forced to stop, including pedestrians. “If I raise my hand, there is no movement for anyone.”
In other countries
How to deal with traffic signals from the traffic controller in other countries. Nowadays, the opportunity to use your own or rented vehicle abroad is in great demand. In many states, traffic controllers are widely used in traffic management. The logic of their gestures is generally the same. It is necessary to look at the position of the hands and body, as well as pay attention to the reaction of other participants in the movement.
In many countries, traffic controllers abandoned the wand in favor of hands. With their help, they show signals that allow or prohibit the movement of its participants. These signals are usually understandable.