If you want to test how much you know about the rules of the road, we might have a teaser that proves you’re safe to be on the highways of the UK, or proves that you might have to go for a bit of a refresher.
There’s a lot of things to remember when driving, but if you really want to be safe, then it’s worth keeping your concentration and focusing your mind.
That means looking at road signs, checking your mirrors, staying on task, and avoiding any distractions.
Advert
Of course, we’re constantly bombarded with information whilst in the car, and it would be a big ask to remember exactly what every single road sign means, but you should probably know what this one means.
Recognise it?
You’ll have seen it on country lanes, on dual carriageways, and loads of places.
As road signs go, it’s one of the most common out there.
Advert
But, it turns out a bunch of people don’t know what it means.
It’s the sign that means ‘national speed limit applies’, but – that in itself – that means more than one thing.
The national speed limit is different on different types of roads, with a speed limit of 60mph applying on a single carriageway, and 70mph on a dual carriageway.
Advert
In truth, the national speed limit is 30mph unless signs – such as this one – state otherwise.
In Wales, that’s now 20mph. And what’s more, the type of vehicle you have changes things, too.
For example, on single carriageway, roads vehicles towing trailers are limited to 50mph by that sign, as well as those tugging caravans.
Buses, coaches and minibuses must also only do 50mph on single lane roads.
Advert
Basically, there are a lot of rules to remember, but if you’re in a car that isn’t pulling something it’s a bit simpler.
In a Facebook group called ‘Idiot UK Drivers Exposed’ the sign was posted, asking people to state what they think it means.
Most people seemed to get it right, but others saw the opportunity for a bit of a joke.
Advert
No, it doesn’t mean ‘foot down!’ or 'floor it'.
Nor does it mean ‘go as fast as possible’.
However, some genuinely did get it wrong.
One person – who shall remain nameless – made a genuine mistake, writing: “Speed previous applied ends.”
Technically right, but not specific enough.
Anyway, the most important thing about it all is to keep safe on the roads, and keep concentrated on what you’re doing, as well as driving within the rules.
Always worth checking up or doing a refresher if the opportunity arises.
It’s a serious business out there, after all.
Tom Wood