June 19, 2011. Paul Hixon
One must learn the meaning of many safety signs and symbols today. The pictures used help people to quickly interpret what they are being told and help them to avoid any possible danger that may be found ahead.
Pictures used on the signage today have an almost comical look to them. The reason behind using pictures instead of words is that the warning system is more effective when one simply looks at a character instead of needing to ready many words.
The comical appearance to the signage tends to get the attention of people much faster than a bunch of words. For example, the picture found on signage for deer crossing is a picture of a deer jumping. This is a universal symbol warning people that there is a good likelihood that an animal may cross the road in front of them.
Another reason that pictures are more commonly used on signage today is the great diversity of people found in the United States today. In addition, the rate of illiteracy is continuing to rise making the actual reading of the signage very difficult.
Illiteracy and the diversity of people found have created the need for the use of pictures for warnings as well as many other things. The characters found are used as a universal warning that anyone can understand easily and be warned of the possible danger ahead.
The use of characters and symbols instead of words was created as more injuries occurred because people were unable to interpret the signage. In addition to the pictures, certain shapes used in signage have a universal meaning. The octagon stop sign for example is a universal symbol meaning stop. The shape of the sign alone notifies drivers that either they or the other driver needs to stop whether seeing the front or back of the symbol.
It is vital that every member of your household learn the different safety signs and symbols that are used to ensure their safety.
Updated June 19, 2011. Published March 8, 2011. Paul Hixon
