If you want to test how well you know the traffic rules, we might have a little challenge for you that could prove you are safe on the roads of the United Kingdom – or that you might need a refresher.
There are many things to consider when driving, but if you really want to be safe, it’s worth staying focused and keeping your mind sharp.
This means paying attention to traffic signs, checking your mirrors, concentrating on the task at hand, and avoiding any kind of distraction.
Of course, in the car, we are constantly bombarded with information, and it would be asking a lot to remember exactly what every single traffic sign means. But you should probably know this one.
Do you recognize it?
You’ve seen it on country roads, highways, and many other places.
Among traffic signs, it is one of the most common.
But it turns out that a lot of people don’t know what it means.
Here is the traffic sign in question.
It is the sign that means “National speed limit applies,” but that alone means more than one thing.
The national speed limit varies on different types of roads, with a speed limit of 60 mph on single carriageways and 70 mph on dual carriageways.
In truth, the national speed limit is 30 mph unless signs – like this one – indicate otherwise.
In Wales, it is now 20 mph. Moreover, the speed limit changes depending on the type of vehicle.
For example, on single carriageways, vehicles towing trailers are limited to 50 mph by this sign, as are vehicles with caravans.
Buses, coaches, and minibuses are also limited to 50 mph on single carriageways.
Basically, there are many rules to consider, but if you are in a car that is not towing anything, it is somewhat simpler.
In a Facebook group called ‘Idiot UK Drivers Exposed’, the sign was posted and people were asked to say what they thought it meant.
Most people seemed to understand it correctly, but others saw the opportunity for a joke.
It does not mean “Full speed ahead.”
No, it does not mean “Step on it!” or “Full speed ahead!”
And it also does not mean “Drive as fast as possible.”
However, some actually guessed wrong.
One person – who shall remain unnamed – made a real mistake and wrote: “Speed ends that previously applied.”
Technically correct, but not specific enough.
In any case, the most important thing of all is to stay safe on the roads and focus on what you are doing, as well as driving within the rules.
It is always worth getting informed or having a refresher when the opportunity arises.
After all, it’s serious business out there.
