Indian traffic signs play a pivotal role in our daily lives on the road, serving a multitude of crucial functions that contribute to safety, efficiency, and orderliness. Let's talk about the importance of these signs -

In the dynamic landscape of Indian traffic, these signs play a pivotal role in maintaining order and safety. They serve as information, conveying crucial messages to drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists alike. Whether it's a vibrant red stop sign commanding attention at an intersection or a subtle arrow indicating a change in direction, each sign serves a specific purpose, contributing to the overall safety and efficiency of the transportation system. Having said this, also keep in mind to buy insurance to secure your ride.

Moreover, fostering a culture of mutual respect and consideration among drivers is crucial in preventing road rage incidents. By valuing the safety and well-being of fellow road users, we can collectively contribute to creating a safer environment for everyone.

In India, adhering to all traffic signs is imperative. However, among them, mandatory signs hold utmost importance and must be strictly followed. Disregarding these signs may result in penalties, as outlined by the Roadways and Traffic Department of India.

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4️⃣Temporary Signs: These signs issue temporary commands or prohibitions due to ongoing roadworks, events, or other temporary conditions. They include -

Anterior spinal cord syndrome is caused by the damage or obstruction of anterior spinal artery, which provides the major blood supply to the anterior two‐thirds of the spinal cord.2 This syndrome is rare, which accounts for only 8% of all myelopathies, and is characterized by paralysis of the extremities, dissociated sensory loss, bowel and bladder dysfunction, and acute pain located at the level of the spinal cord lesion.2 The etiology is varied and includes infarction, vasculitis, surgery, aortic dissection, and acute trauma, while it remains unclear in the 20%‐30% of the patients.3 Typical findings on MRI are hyperintense lesions on axial T2WI in the anterior horns demonstrating the “owl's eye” configuration.2 This finding on MRI is also rare, and only a few cases have been described in the literature. Our case is unique because the diagnosis of the rare disease was successfully made on the basis of clinical and imaging findings. Clinical diagnosis of anterior spinal cord syndrome is difficult to establish; however, it may be determined by careful clinical examination supported by MRI findings.

In conclusion, the roads of India demand a thorough understanding and adherence to a myriad of traffic signs, regulations, and hand signals, all crucial for ensuring safety and orderliness. From mandatory signs dictating essential rules to cautionary signs warning of potential hazards, each element plays a vital role in facilitating smooth traffic flow and preventing accidents. Recent updates, such as penalties for mobile phone usage while driving and bans on loud silencers, underscore the government's commitment to enhancing road safety. By staying informed, practicing patience, and embracing a culture of compliance, drivers can contribute to creating safer and more harmonious driving experiences for all road users in India.

These updated traffic regulations reflect a concerted effort to enhance road safety and foster a culture of compliance among motorists across the nation.

Ever wondered just how many cautionary signs there are in India? Well, the answer is a whopping 40. Each of these signs holds valuable information, urging drivers to take necessary precautions and adjust their speed accordingly. They are given below.

It is essential for motor vehicle drivers to grasp the significance of various traffic signs in ensuring safe driving practices. Any person intending to drive on Indian roads must possess a valid driving license and demonstrate a thorough understanding of traffic signs and regulations. To obtain a driving license, applicants undergo a comprehensive driving license test, which assesses their familiarity with traffic signs and signals.

Imagine driving down a busy street and missing a vital sign because it blended into the background. It's not just about being visible; traffic signs should grab attention with their bold colors and clear graphics, ensuring every driver takes notice.

It's imperative to recognize that road rage not only jeopardizes our own safety but also poses a grave risk to others, including pedestrians and animals. Let's pledge to exercise patience, restraint, and empathy while navigating the unpredictable roads of India, ensuring that every journey is characterized by safety and mutual respect.

When traffic signs are thoughtfully designed and strategically placed, drivers learn to trust and obey them. But signs that are confusing or seem arbitrary? They're more likely to be ignored, breeding chaos instead of order.

Traffic signs are designed with distinct shapes and colors to convey specific messages quickly and efficiently to drivers, ensuring smooth and safe navigation without causing disruptions. According to the Road Traffic Management Corporation, these signs are categorized into four main groups, each serving a different purpose -

A 68‐year‐old Japanese woman who presented with abdominal sensory loss was admitted to our hospital. Three days prior to admission, the patient experienced sudden onset of right lower chest pain and weakness in both legs, along with bladder and rectal disturbances. Although touch and proprioception were intact, physical examination revealed impaired sensitivity to pinpricks and temperature of her abdomen and thighs. On magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), a sagittal T2‐weighted image (T2WI) indicated abnormally high signal intensity in the thoracic cord, extending from T5 to T10 and affecting the anterior two‐thirds of the cord (Figure 1A; arrows). Further, an axial T2WI revealed the classical “owl's eye sign” involving central‐anterior cord substance (Figure 1B; arrow).1 The patient's clinical symptoms and imaging results were consistent with those of anterior spinal cord syndrome. Although the etiology of the syndrome was undetermined, anterior spinal artery infarction was suspected on the basis of her clinical characteristics, such as the sudden onset of symptoms.

Mastering traffic signs is essential for staying safe on the road. These signs convey fundamental rules and regulations of road safety through straightforward graphics that can be quickly understood. For instance, anyone seeking a driving license must have a thorough understanding of these signs to pass the theoretical portion of the driving test. Let's explore the different types of traffic signs and symbols used on Indian roads.

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The primary function of traffic signs is to ensure the smooth operation of traffic on roads by providing essential information to drivers.

Traffic police employ hand signals to maintain traffic flow and enhance safety. Here are some common hand signals and their meanings -

UStraffic signs

Beyond the conventional traffic signs, India's roads boast a variety of signals and markings essential for smooth traffic management and safety. Given below are some lesser-known but equally crucial traffic signals and road markings -

Every traffic sign must serve a distinct purpose, acting as a guiding factor amidst the sea of vehicles. From indicating a sharp curve ahead to marking a pedestrian crossing, each sign plays a crucial role in ensuring a smooth and safe traffic flow.

Informatory signs are indispensable on the road, providing drivers with vital information about nearby facilities, even if they're unfamiliar with the area's layout. These signs play a crucial role in ensuring drivers can access essential services without difficulty. Let's explore the significance of each informatory traffic sign -

Among the multitude of traffic signs in India, cautionary signs stand out as silent sentinels, warning drivers of potential hazards ahead. These signs are not to be taken lightly, as they serve as vital alerts for safe navigation on the bustling thoroughfares.

Harada K, Chiko Y, Toyokawa T. Anterior spinal cord syndrome—“owl's eye sign”. J Gen Fam Med. 2018;19:63–64. https://doi.org/10.1002/jgf2.156

This is an open access article under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution‐NonCommercial‐NoDerivs License, which permits use and distribution in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited, the use is non‐commercial and no modifications or adaptations are made.

Traffic signs serve to guide drivers in adhering to traffic laws and regulating traffic flow on specific routes. Their shape and color convey specific information to drivers.

The escalation of road rage incidents in India is alarming, reflecting a concerning trend of reckless behavior and aggressive driving on our roads. Triggered by stress, impatience, and frustration, road rage poses a significant threat to public safety, creating hazardous conditions for all road users.

1️⃣Regulatory Signs: These signs control, command, prohibit, or reserve certain actions or behaviors on the road. They include:

Magnetic resonance imaging revealing abnormally high signal intensity in the thoracic cord, extending from T5 to T10 on a sagittal T2‐weighted image (Figure 1A). An axial T2‐weighted image showing “owl's eye sign” involving central‐anterior cord (Figure 1B), which was consistent with anterior spinal cord syndrome.

Recent updates to traffic regulations have been implemented across various regions, yielding varying outcomes. It asks residents to acquaint themselves with these new mandates to steer clear of any infractions.

These mandatory traffic signs are essential for ensuring road safety and smooth traffic flow, and it's vital for all drivers to understand and adhere to them diligently.

Understanding the meaning of these different traffic signs is essential for safe and efficient driving. Here's a breakdown of the different categories of road signs you might encounter while driving -

Traffic signsand meaning

In the split-second decisions of the road, there's no room for ambiguity. Traffic signs must communicate their message swiftly and unmistakably. Whether it's a stop sign or a speed limit indicator, clarity ensures drivers react promptly and appropriately.

Picture yourself approaching a busy intersection. The last thing you need is a stop sign appearing out of nowhere, leaving you slamming on the brakes. Effective traffic signs give drivers ample time to react, positioned strategically for maximum visibility and response time.

Beyond the array of traffic signals curated by the government to ensure road safety and the seamless flow of vehicles, there exist a plethora of road safety cues and regulations that every driver must adhere to while navigating the bustling streets of India.

In a bid to bolster road safety and curb accidents, traffic regulations are continuously evolving. With the burgeoning number of vehicles crowding Indian roads daily, periodic updates to traffic laws are imperative. To this end, the government operates a dedicated research and development unit tasked with upholding road discipline for seamless traffic flow.

3️⃣Guidance Signs: These signs provide guidance to drivers regarding location, route markers, and direction. They include -

(A) Magnetic resonance imaging revealing abnormally high signal intensity in the thoracic cord, extending from T5 to T10 on a sagittal T2‐weighted image. (B) An axial T2‐weighted image showing “owl's eye sign” involving central‐anterior cord

When driving on Indian roads, you'll encounter various signs along the way. These signs serve a crucial purpose, helping ensure safety and providing important information to drivers. They indicate when to stop, where parking is allowed, and which lanes are designated for different types of vehicles.

Road sign

2️⃣Warning Signs: These signs alert drivers to potential hazards, changes in road layout, or the direction of movement. They include:

From excessive honking to aggressive maneuvers and confrontational gestures, road rage manifests in various forms, endangering the lives of everyone involved. To mitigate this perilous phenomenon, drivers must prioritize staying calm, adhering to traffic regulations, and refraining from driving under the influence of substances.

Correspondence, Ko Harada, Department of Gastroenterology, National Hospital Organization, Fukuyama Medical Center, Fukuyama, Hiroshima, Japan. Email: me422084@s.okayama-u.ac.jp

These signs ensure the smooth flow of traffic and enhance pedestrian safety by conveying critical information such as speed limits, no parking zones, and restricted areas. Let's take a look at the  mandatory traffic signs -