In USAHe Road signaling system It is regulated by manuals that specify the form, use and meaning of every sign on streets, roads and highways. These guidelines aim to help drivers quickly identify situations that require their attention and safely adapt their driving style, such as when a warning sign appears. Hidden DIP.
According to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Uniform Manual: A hidden DIP describes a sudden drop that is not noticeable from a distance.
In contrast to the traditional DIP signal, which warns of a visible drop, is the hidden version marks a section where the collapse is out of view until the vehicle gets very close. For this reason, it is mainly placed on rural routes or in mountainous regions.
Unevenness in the road surface can cause water to collect after rain, stationary vehicles can disappear or an intersection can be obscured. These factors They can cause loss of control or skidding if the driver does not adjust speed..
A warning used in areas where there is a steep gradient on the route that is not visible to the naked eye. Recognizes the need to reduce speed and maintain control of the vehicle to avoid sudden maneuvers or mechanical damage.
Given this type of risk, the sign is positioned in advance to give the motorist enough time to change their driving style.
The DIP warning (code W8-2 in the US) signals a low on the street. In dry sections it usually represents a minor irregularity, but When it rains, water may accumulatewhich increases the possibility of aquaplaning.
In front of this sign the driver must:
The Hidden DIP variant has the same purpose: but emphasizes that the downfall cannot be seen in advance. Therefore, in addition to reducing speed, the driver must:
The design and use of these warnings is specified in the FHWA Uniform Manual, a document that sets national guarantee criteria Consistency in signage. The Agency publishes and updates these parameters, which serve as a reference for all jurisdictions in the North American country.
The position of the signs is regulated. The manual indicates warnings Install them between 300 and 655 feet before sinking them. This distance allows the driver to slow down and prepare for the change in the road surface.
If the speed limit is high, the sign is placed even further away to allow sufficient reaction time.
The installation process takes into account factors such as Road geometry, visibility and average traffic speed.
In addition, manufacturers and suppliers of road equipment must follow official guidelines to ensure that all signs in this country adhere to the same standard.
Warnings of doom fulfill a preventive function. They inform the driver of a sudden change in the road profile that could affect the stability of the vehicle.
The consistent design makes it easy for anyone behind the wheel to do it, even if it’s their first time driving through the area Recognize the importance of the message and act accordingly.
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