More than half of US traffic accidents are due to roadway departure crashes. Unfortunately, 28% of those fatal crashes will occur in horizontal curves. So, everyone wants to know how to reduce these accidents. The most effective way is to install safety signs.
In case of curves, chevron safety sign is best. We have discussed chevron in this article. You will understand its types & MUTCD requirements for this sign too.
What is a Chevron Road Sign?
A chevron road sign is a warning sign. This sign tells you that a sharp bend is ahead. Its other names are chevron alignment sign, warning chevron sign. You often see it on highways, mountain roads or near dangerous curves.
If we talk about its appearance, you will see a “V” shaped arrow which points in a specific direction. These arrows are mostly found in black color with a yellow background. This combination makes it highly visible from a distance.
5 Main Types of Chevron Sign
Single Chevron Sign
This is the standard warning sign. It has a single black arrow on a yellow background. It is placed on the road where a slight curve is present. Plus, the chances of accidents are higher due to bad weather or low visibility. Generally, you will see this sign board near slight bends, ramps & winding roads.
Double Chevron Sign
As the name suggests, the double chevron sign has two arrows. But these arrows are in yellow or orange color with black background. These signs inform you that a moderate type of curve is on the way. Therefore, you should decrease your speed. Mostly, this sign board is placed after a single chevron sign.
Triple Chevron Sign
Triple chevron sign means it has yellow arrows that indicate a sharp curve. The three bold arrows point in the same direction. They guide you through a strong bend, especially on highways or mountain roads.
You often see this sign where the risk of skidding is very high. It warns you early so you can reduce your speed. Because if you drive fast, your vehicle can lose balance at the curve. Therefore, road authorities place these signs in a row along the bend. This gives you clear direction until the turn ends.
Red Chevron Sign
This type of sign board is used in some countries. For example, you might often find this red chevron sign in Jordan and UAE on white background. In Philippines, chevron signs are seen in red and white color. Furthermore, North Macedonia also uses this color combination to mark sharp curves.
Black and White Chevron Road Sign
Well, some other countries use black and white chevron signs to highlight bends and winding roads. If you visit Slovenia, mainly black and white signs are used for this purpose. Moreover, in Spain you will notice white arrows on black rectangular background.
But there is one more combination that is used which is blue on white. If you want to know more about the colors of chevron in different countries and states you can read this reddit post.
Chevron Sign Size
There are different sizes available in the market. Basically, these dimensions can change according to their types. Like a single chevron sign is smaller than a double chevron sign.
Single Chevron Sign: Its width is 500 mm and its height is almost 600 mm. If we talk about the arrow it is pointed to 110 degrees. The width of the arrow is about 251 mm. Furthermore, the height of the black arrow is 548 mm.
Single Chevron Sign (Speed>100km/h): This sign has comparatively larger size. To make sure the driver can see this sign even at higher speed. It is 750 mm wide and height is 900mm. The dimension of the arrow is 820 mm by 376 mm.
Double Chevron Sign: Double chevron is a rectangular sign board. Its height is 600mm but the width is 1550mm. Because there are two arrows on the board.
What Are Chevron Markings?
Chevron Markings on Road are painted road patterns. They look like arrows or inverted “V” shapes. These markings show you areas where vehicles must not enter. They create a buffer zone between traffic lanes.
When you see these markings you should not park or stop your vehicle here. This keeps vehicles at a safe distance from each other. You should not drive on chevron markings unless it is an emergency. They guide traffic flow and reduce crash risk. In Spain these lines are known as “cebreado”.
Installation of Chevron Signs
Check the Road Curve: First, you have to inspect the curve area. For this you should measure the bend angle and road width. Remember, to note the speed limit. If the curve is sharp or accident risk is high, you may need larger or more signs.
Select the Right Sign Size: Now, choose the sign size based on road type. For instance;
- 18 × 24 Inches: For low-speed roads
- 24 × 30 Inches: To place at conventional roads
- 30 × 36 Inches: In case of, multi-lane or higher speed roads
- 36 × 48 Inches: Designed for highways and expressways
Mark the Installation Points: After that, mark the spots near the outer edge of the curve. Keep in mind, you have to place the first sign before the sharp bend starts. Make sure that you maintain equal spacing between each sign. On sharp turns, signs should appear in a continuous line.
Fix the Sign Post: When you have marked the place, dig a proper foundation hole. Now you insert the steel or galvanized post in this hole. Pour concrete in the hole to secure the base or post.
Mount the Chevron Panel: Attach the chevron panel to the post with strong bolts and clamps. The arrows must point in the correct direction of the curve. You should set the height as per local road standards so drivers see it clearly.
Confirm Alignment: After the installation, stand at a distance and check visibility. Make sure there are no trees, bushes, poles or barriers that can block the sign. At night, confirm the reflective sheet provides clear shine under headlights.
Chevron Sign MUTCD
MUTCD (Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices) is a Federal Highway Administration that sets basic standards to design or place a sign board. Therefore, they have recommended some rules for chevron signs that are listed below;
- MUTCD allows you to use chevron alignment signs instead of standard delineators. You can also use them together. This will give drivers stronger visual guidance on sharp curves.
- The chevron alignment sign must be a vertical rectangle. This shape is fixed under MUTCD standards. So, you cannot change it to square or horizontal form.
- The sign must not have any border. Which means the design is simple with only the chevron symbol.
- If you install chevron signs, place them on the outside of the turn. This position gives drivers proper direction through the full curve.
- Install the sign in line with traffic flow. Simply, it should face approaching vehicles at nearly a right angle. This improves visibility from a distance.
- The sign must have a minimum height of 4 feet. You should measure from the bottom of the sign to the near edge of the traveled roadway.
- Do not place chevron signs on the far side of a T-intersection to stop straight movement. For that purpose, MUTCD requires a one-direction or two-direction large arrow sign.
- Chevron signs must not mark guardrails, barriers or other roadside objects. For these cases, you must use an object marker.
- Do not place right-pointing chevron signs in the center of a roundabout or traffic circle. This location also requires other approved signs.
Chevron Road Signs UK
In UK, you can find both chevron markings and sign boards as well. This country also follows the rules of MUTCD to place chevron signs. Interestingly, you will also see special chevron markings in the middle of lanes which are spaced 40 metres apart.
Actually, there are two chevrons between your car and the vehicle in front gives a safe distance at 70 mph. Their main purpose is to tell you about the curves that can be dangerous for you.
To Wrap Up
As you know, chevron signs are an effective way to improve road safety on sharp curves. According to the CMF Clearinghouse, installation of chevrons on rural highway curves can reduce collisions by 4% to 25%. These crashes can be decreased more if you install warning signs with chevron signs.
So, if you want to buy a chevron sign or any other warning sign, JACKWIN is the best option. Because we have more than 18 years of experience in the manufacturing of traffic safety products., You can contact us to place an order for any road safety product.
