Uniform Traffic Signs, Signals, and Markings

Abstract

MODERN city traffic requires not only provision of highways which shall be suitable to handle the estimated traffic which will seek to use the city's streets, but also, for the best results, that consideration shall be given to methods of controlling traffic which are in use elsewhere. One reason for this is that, unlike olden times, much of the traffic in the streets of any city is not local but interurban, interstate, or possibly of still more distant origin. If vehicle operators are to be expected to comport themselves in conformity with local regulations and practices, those regulations and customs should be substantially uniform in all municipalities. Modern control and regulation of street traffic, to be efficient, involves the use of such mechanical helps as traffic signals, signs and pavement markings. The use of such devices has been developing rapidly in recent years. City traffic has become so complicated and restrictions have become so numerous that it is necessary for drivers of vehicles to receive an almost continuous series of instructions not to violate regulations and thus interfere with the use of the streets by others.