Driving down the road, we often take road signs for granted, assuming that they are just basic rules and regulations that we need to follow. However, road signs from around the world have fascinating histories and unusual facts that most people are unaware of. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at some of the most unusual road signs from around the world and their quirky histories.
Introduction
Road signs are an essential part of driving, guiding us through the roads and keeping us safe. While most of us are used to seeing the same old signs every day, there are some road signs from around the world that have fascinating histories and unusual facts. From the tallest road sign in the world to the “I Love You” road sign in Taiwan, let’s take a closer look at these quirky signs and the stories behind them.
The History of Road Signs
The use of road signs dates back to the Roman Empire, where milestones were used to mark the distance between cities. However, modern road signs as we know them today did not come into existence until the early 20th century. The first road sign was installed in 1908 in Michigan, USA, and it wasn’t until the 1920s that standardized road signs were developed.
Road Signs Around the World
Road signs vary from country to country, and while some signs are universal, others are unique to specific regions. Here are some examples of road signs from around the world:
North America
In the United States, road signs are standardized and regulated by the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD). Some of the most common road signs in the US include stop signs, yield signs, speed limit signs, and no parking signs.
Europe
European road signs are standardized under the Vienna Convention on Road Signs and Signals. The most common signs in Europe include speed limit signs, no entry signs, and roundabout signs.
Asia
In Asia, road signs vary from country to country. In Japan, for example, road signs are written in both Japanese and English, while in China, road signs are written in Chinese characters. In India, road signs can be confusing and inconsistent due to a lack of standardized regulations.
Africa
Road signs in Africa are also inconsistent due to a lack of standardized regulations. In some countries, road signs are written in both English and the local language, while in others, road signs may not exist at all.
Australia
In Australia, road signs are standardized and regulated by the Australian Road Rules. Some of the most common road signs in Australia include speed limit signs, no parking signs, and pedestrian crossing signs.
Unusual Road Signs
While most road signs are designed to convey important information, there are some signs from around the world that are just plain quirky. Here are some examples:
The Tallest Road Sign in the World
The tallest road sign in the world can be found in Saudi Arabia. The sign is 80 meters tall and features a picture of King Abdullah and a quote from the Quran.
The Signpost Forest in Canada
The Signpost Forest in Canada is a quirky roadside attraction located in Watson Lake, Yukon. It was started in 1942 by a US Army engineer who was working on the construction of the Alaska Highway. Homesick and missing his hometown of Danville, Illinois, he erected a sign that read “Danville, Illinois, 2835 miles” to remind him of home.
Since then, thousands of signs have been added to the collection from people all over the world. Visitors can bring their own signs or create one at the nearby Visitor Center to add to the forest. The signs range from license plates and street signs to business advertisements and personal messages.
The Signpost Forest has become a popular tourist destination, attracting over 100,000 visitors each year. It has been featured in several movies and TV shows, including “The Amazing Race” and “Ice Road Truckers”. The forest continues to grow each year, with new signs added regularly.
The “I Love You” Road Sign in Taiwan
In Taiwan, there is a road sign that says “I love you” in three different languages: Mandarin, English, and Hokkien. The sign was created in 2013 to promote road safety and has become a popular tourist attraction.
The Frog Crossing Sign in Costa Rica
In Costa Rica, there is a road sign that depicts a frog crossing the road. This sign was created to raise awareness of the endangered amphibians in the region and to encourage drivers to slow down and be cautious.
The Pointless Arrow in New Zealand
In New Zealand, there is a road sign that features a seemingly pointless arrow pointing to the left. This sign is located on State Highway 6 near the town of Nelson and has become a local landmark. The sign was originally installed to point to a road that no longer exists, but locals have come to love the sign and its quirky history.
Conclusion
Road signs may seem like a mundane part of our daily lives, but they have a rich history and unique stories behind them. From the first road sign in Michigan to the quirky signs found around the world, road signs are an essential part of driving that we often take for granted. Hopefully, this article has given you a newfound appreciation for these fascinating and sometimes downright strange signs.
FAQ
What is the history of road signs?
Road signs date back to the Roman Empire, where milestones were used to mark the distance between cities. Modern road signs as we know them today were developed in the early 20th century.
How are road signs standardized?
Road signs are standardized and regulated by various organizations and conventions, such as the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices in the US and the Vienna Convention on Road Signs and Signals in Europe.
What are some common road signs in the US?
Some of the most common road signs in the US include stop signs, yield signs, speed limit signs, and no parking signs.
What is the tallest road sign in the world?
The tallest road sign in the world can be found in Saudi Arabia and is 80 meters tall.
What is the “I Love You” road sign in Taiwan?
The “I Love You” road sign in Taiwan is a road sign that says “I love you” in three different languages: Mandarin, English, and Hokkien. The sign was created in 2013 to promote road safety and has become a popular tourist attraction.
Source
- “Road Signs and Markings” by the Federal Highway Administration: https://safety.fhwa.dot.gov/roadway_dept/night_visib/sigmark/chap4.cfm
- “The Evolution of Road Signs” by The Atlantic: https://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2012/09/the-evolution-of-road-signs/262207/
- “Unusual Road Signs from Around the World” by Insider: https://www.insider.com/unusual-road-signs-from-around-the-world-2018-7
