Warning Signs: Curves, Intersections, Pedestrians, School, Animals, and Road Conditions
Warning Signs
Warning signs are usually yellow diamonds, with fluorescent yellow-green used for school and pedestrian warnings. The Mississippi exam tests curve, intersection, pedestrian, school, animal, and road-condition warnings, including advisory speed plaques. The sign itself does not set a legal limit; it tells you to adjust speed and position before the hazard.
Core rules
- Curves: A curve sign shows the direction of the bend. A plaque beneath it, such as 35 MPH, is an advisory speed for the curve in good conditions, not a speed limit.
- Intersections: A crossroad or side-road sign warns of traffic entering ahead. Slow down and check for vehicles that may not stop.
- Pedestrian and school: These signs warn of people crossing. In a school zone, obey the posted school speed limit when flashing.
- Animal: Deer and livestock crossing signs are common in rural Mississippi. Reduce speed, especially at dawn and dusk, and scan the shoulders.
- Road condition: Slippery when wet, gravel, soft shoulder, and lane-narrowing signs warn of surface or width changes. Adjust speed before you reach the hazard.
Worked example
You see a yellow diamond showing a right curve with a 35 MPH advisory plaque, and the road is wet. The 35 MPH is an advisory speed for dry conditions. Because traction is reduced, you should slow below 35, brake before the curve, and avoid braking hard inside it.
Traps
Do not read an advisory speed as a legal maximum, and do not wait until you are in the curve to slow down. A warning sign is not a regulatory sign; passing it does not create a stop requirement. However, ignoring it can still support a careless-driving charge.