Why do some signs have a yellow background?
Have you ever noticed a road sign with a rectangular yellow background or backboard? Well, you should have, for they have a special purpose. They are used to give you extra warning in accident-prone spots.
Far more than just a nice border, the yellow background emphasises that you should pay particular attention to the warning information the sign is trying to convey, it also means that the sign in its normal state didn’t do its job.
There are many steps that are taken in an accident area before resorting to the use of a yellow backboard, so seeing one tells you that
A) at least several accidents have happened up ahead and
B) people aren’t paying enough attention!
When records show that accidents are taking place in spite of warnings from regular road signs, the first thing the authorities do is swap the relevant signs for those in the next size up.
If that doesn’t work, they will check that the sign is in a good condition and is situated where it is easily visible and not obscured by foliage. If all relevant criteria are met, then they may consider upgrading to a sign with a yellow backboard.
How does a yellow backboard on a road sign help?
A yellow background can help to make a sign more visible in a number of ways. It helps define the sign again a dim or complicated background, and it can be made reflective or fluorescent so it is even more noticeable.
Authorities are careful not to use yellow backboards too often, or their effect will be lessened.
They are also careful about using fluorescence, as it could be distracting for drivers, rather than helping them drive more safely. Authorities have even switched to using new ‘true yellow’ materials, which are less garish.
So the next time you see a sign with a yellow background, make sure to pay attention. There’s a very good reason it’s there!
You may be a responsible road user, but that can’t be said of everyone…
Drive Safe!
Author: ABD.co.uk
Thanks for the info! There’s very little information on the net about this kind of reasoning. Do you have anymore info about lamps above signs and street light layouts? Would be really interesting for a small project I am making. Many thanks in advance.
Hi, Dean. Just who is it that’s using your family brain cell at the moment ?
The signs are triangular and circular for a reason also Stop 🛑 signs are so that if they get covered in snow or dirt you can still know there is a hazard. Give ways are the other way round for same reason. The yellow background are not to the government standard
Absolute bull!!!
Looking forward to directly conversing to the author of this page.
Hi Steve,
This article was written in 2015 and the author no longer works for ABD.co.uk.
Please let us know your thoughts on this topic and why you disagree with the author.
Try reading TSRGD