Exploring the Impact of Colour in Traffic Signage and VMS

Do you ever wonder why traffic signages designate red as danger, green as go and yellow as caution? In the early 1840s, the British railroads adopted a flag, lamp and semaphore signal system with these colours. Later, traffic conditions in London prompted officials to use the railroad scheme of colour-coded semaphores to control and navigate traffic. These road safety signs made highways safer for pedestrians, horse-carriage drivers, etc.

Colours quickly convey information and grab the driver’s attention, triggering an immediate response. The colour scheme used in Australian traffic signs is designed to be highly visible, easily recognisable, and consistent with international standards.  Street sign makers point out some of the benefits of employing colour in safety signage:

1. Quick Recognition: Colours help people recognise and understand a message or signal almost instantly. Bright colours like red, yellow, and orange are easy to notice, especially in places where it’s important to see warnings promptly.
2. Emotional Impact: Each colour can evoke an emotional response in viewers. For instance, red is often associated with danger, reinforcing the need to stop or take immediate action.
3. Consistency and Following Rules: Standardising colours in safety signs makes it easier for everyone to understand them, regardless of language or culture. This consistency encourages people to follow safety rules and regulations more consistently.
4. Increased safety: The clear and standardised use of colours minimises confusion and reduces the risk of accidents by providing drivers with clear information.

Colours speak a universal language. Standard colours can help streamline traffic flow, preventing roadblocks and accidents. Here is an explanation of what does each colour on the traffic signage means:

1. Red: It is a colour of caution and prohibitions. The colour indicates strictly off-limits areas or road-closed signs. When you see a red sign, it signifies commands that drivers must obey.
2. Green: This colour signifies safety or provides vital information. When you encounter a green sign, it typically directs you to safe conditions or permitted movements. It also points the way to safety-related facilities, such as highway exits or street names.
3. Yellow/Amber: It is reserved for warning signs for potential hazards ahead. Often, yellow signs include symbols or text highlighting drivers to proceed with care. It emphasises increased vigilance while passing through these areas.
4. Blue: The adopted colour for mandatory or informational signs is blue. Blue signs provide directions to amenities, facilities, or points of interest along the roadway. Blue road signs with various shapes provide vital information to the driver.
5. Orange: Temporary or construction-related messages are often indicated with orange colour. These signs can include construction zone ahead signs, detour signs, and temporary roadwork signs
6. White: The colour provides instructions or informs drivers about road rules, speed limits, or lane markings. These highway signs are often used on roadways to provide essential information to drivers.

Experienced road sign makers can create custom designs for your display campaign in Melbourne, Australia. Trailer Signs is a leading provider of traffic signage and VMS solutions in Melbourne, Australia. We prioritise safety and efficiency on the roads by offering high-quality products and services.

Our range of VMS boards offers versatile colour options which offer clear visibility in various scenarios. You can choose our popular Large Colour VMS board for its exceptional clarity and readability. Its solar-powered displays with 5-colour LEDs can run 24/7 in any weather conditions. To learn more about our product or pricing information, call us on 1300 735 534 or email us at sales@trailersigns.com.au.