When you are travelling in mountain regions, you can see a road full of sharp curves that turn left and right again and again. But do you know why they are made this way? That’s actually a winding road, so you can avoid dangerous situations.
Today, we will tell you the winding road meaning, its signs, symbols, and why these roads are built.
What is a Winding Road?
A winding path refers to a road that has multiple curves, and these curves are located very close to each other. You will find this type of road in hilly areas where straight construction of road is not possible.
Actually, road constructors cut the hills and shape them to make this type of road. Winding roads are also present in rural areas where curves are made to avoid agricultural fields and sand hills.
Winding Road Traffic Sign
It has many other names as well. For example: Curvy road ahead sign, windy road sign and winding road ahead sign. We can say this is a warning sign that informs you to slow down your vehicle. Therefore, the road suddenly changes its direction, so you have to be careful.
Winding road signal or W1 5 sign tells you that there are three or more curves on this road with less than 600 ft distance. Sometimes, you will observe a complimentary sign board which tells you the exact distance of the upcoming curve.
Winding Road Symbol
Winding road signs are mostly available in diamond shape; generally, a black curved arrow is used on it with a bright yellow background. This arrow bends up and down at least three times to warn you about continuous curves.
Commonly, this warning board is placed above the road at a height of 2.1 to 2.5 meters. In addition, a car with curvy road under its wheels on a yellow sign board also represents a winding road.
Winding Roads are Made on Hills, Why?
There are many reasons why winding roads are built near hills. Below we have highlighted points that will describe to you the main reasons.
To Avoid Slopes: There are many areas that are located at high elevations, and you have to travel through mountains to reach those places. Winding roads are constructed there to avoid lengthy slopes that can be very dangerous for you.
To Save Fuel: The curves reduce the pressure on the engine so you can save your fuel easily as compared to sloped roads. Basically, a direct slope increases strain on the engine to produce more power and your car will use more fuel.
To Increase Friction: A bended or curved road has a stronger grip than other straight or sloped roads. This thing provides you more control over your steering, which is not possible on highly tilted roads.
To Save Beauty of Nature: There are many natural views that promote the construction of winding roads like hard rocks, rivers, green forest,s and beautiful lakes. So, you can see these beautiful scenes near winding roads, especially at tourist places.
Importance of Winding Road Sign
Winding road signs are very important for you and other road users at hill stations, where thousands of people have died due to dangerous road turns and deep pits.
Increase Road Safety
As you know, winding roads are commonly located near hilly areas where you can fall into a deep trench due to small negligence. This sign is mainly used to avoid this type of accident and increase your safety.
Improving Traffic Flow
When you see a winding road sign you will definitely be aware of upcoming curves so you will not hit immediate brakes and turn sharply. This thing results in a smooth traffic flow.
Slow Down For a Winding Road Sign
Winding road signs alert you that sharp turns are in your way, so slow down your car and turn it with attention. If you speed up your vehicle in such an area it is possible that you will lose your control on the steering and put yourself into danger, especially in bad weather conditions like rain, snow and cyclones.
Sharp Curve Road Sign/ W1 2 Sign
A sharp left turn sign tells you that the road is no longer straight. You have to be careful because the black arrow which is pointed toward the left represents that the road is taking a sharp left turn. Always slow down your car to avoid accidents.
Sharp Right Turn Sign/ W1 2R Sign
Right winding road sign or a sharp arrow that is directed to the right side, which informs you about the right turn. So prepare yourself for that turn and take your car under your control.
Double Curve Sign/W1 4R Sign
A double curve sign, which is also known as a reverse turn sign and reverse curve sign, warns you that two unexpected curves are ahead. Sometimes, you will notice that these both curves are in opposite directions. This sign board is more dangerous than W1 2 sign and W1 2R sign. That is why you should pay more attention when you see this warning sign.
Twisty Road Sign
This road sign is also included in winding road signs, but it is more dangerous than other winding road signs. In fact, this sign warns you that there are many sharp and zig-zag turns located on this road.
Basically, the twist behind this road sign is that the curves and bends can come in different directions. You should slow down your speed and look for upcoming dangers.
Banked Road
Have you seen a sharp curve which is tilted from one side? Actually, it’s a banked road which is constructed in such a way that the outer edge is raised from the sides. Basically, this tilt is built to provide necessary centripetal force to turn your vehicle. Mostly, racing tracks are tilted to reduce your reliance on friction but at some places highways and tunnels are also banked.
Summarized Remarks
To sum up, we hope now you are clear about what winding roads mean and what their purpose is in hilly or rural areas. You can see, these roads can be risky for you if you are not prepared in advance. We advise you to always follow instructions of winding road warning signs and drive your vehicle at slow speed in such locations.
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