What are the primary purposes of traffic signs?

The primary purposes of traffic signs are to regulate, warn, and guide drivers and pedestrians. This encompasses multiple functions essential for maintaining safety and order on the roads. Regulatory signs control the flow of traffic and indicate legal requirements, like stop signs and speed limits. Warning signs alert drivers to potential hazards ahead, such as road construction or sharp curves, allowing them to take necessary precautions. Guiding signs provide information about directions, distances, and points of interest, helping travelers navigate efficiently.

Focusing on these primary purposes ensures that road users can make informed decisions, which ultimately reduces the risk of accidents and enhances overall traffic management. Other options, like advertising local businesses or solely providing directions, do not capture the comprehensive role that traffic signs play in roadway safety and navigation. Moreover, traffic signs do not intend to increase vehicle speed; their design is meant to promote safe driving practices rather than facilitate faster travel.