There’s no mistaking a stop sign, and we should all know when to give way, avoid overtaking and even when there might be animals crossing. What do we do, though, when we come across a sign which completely bamboozles us? Driving abroad brings with it a whole new set of rules. Not only do we have to remember what side of the road to drive on and to stick to different speed limits, but we also have to contend with road signs we’ve never seen before, and – frankly – just don’t make sense! Here, Izzy from PassSmart takes a look at some of the most confusing road signs from around the globe, and tries to work out what they mean!
Unusual Road Signs from Around the World
Squashed turtle?
This sign, found in Ontario, Canada, looks like a squashed turtle, and that’s exactly what it is! This flattened turtle was put up to draw motorists’ attention to the high levels of turtle road mortality. The road sign, along with others warning of turtles crossing, sends a serious message, but to non-local passing motorists doesn’t make much sense!
Icelandic directions
If you’ve got a bad sense of direction, this sign, found in Iceland, isn’t going to be much help. With so many places to choose from, this sign looks more like a word puzzle than a map of directions. Oh, and incase you were wondering, you’re where the red arrow is!
No honking!
This Indian road sign means no honking, but it also looks like it could mean no mushroom picking or no vuvuzelas. This looks like a handmade sign, but they’ve got the cross behind the horns rather than on top. So really, you can honk your horn all you want!
13.5mph?
A speed limit sign isn’t confusing until they start measuring speed in halves. This speed limit, displayed in Salem, Oregon is very specific. Why not 13 or 14mph? We’re not sure what road this was for, but we bet no one goes above 13.5 on it!
Critters crossing?
This photo, taken in an unknown location, shows a sign which appears to be telling drivers not to drive into little critters. We’re hoping the critters in question aren’t drawn to scale, because they’re alarmingly large in comparison to the car.
Beware of giant kangaroos
This Australian sign warns anyone driving, from dusk to dawn, to stick to 65 km/h and avoid giant kangaroos at all costs. Or at least that’s what it looks like. In reality, this beware of kangaroos sign warns motorists of how dangerous they can be, and to look out for them whatever time they’re traveling on the road.
Unicorns crossing
A sign to indicate horses crossing is pretty self explanatory, but what happens if a passer-by lets loose with a marker pen? Well, here’s what happens. This unicorn crossing sign in Australia certainly would have left passing motorists slightly confused.
Guess the speed limit
The British road user responsible for this speed sign sabotage was obviously not happy with the 30mph speed limit, and decided to take it upon themselves to add an extra 50. We’re hoping no one actually fell for this, considering 80mph is illegal even on the motorway!
Surfers crossing
This warning, found in San Diego lets road users know that there may well be men carrying surfboards crossing the road. It’s a good job they’re looking after their surfing population, but we can’t help but hope motorists would spot them anyway.
Which way?
This two-sided arrow at The Tire Zoo, Minneapolis, is definitely confusing. Which way you go is up to you, but the sign, surely, only makes the decision harder!
This is a guest post was provided by Izzy Guarella from UK-based company, PassSmart.com; helping learner drivers find their perfect driving instructor.