This sign is called:

Explanation

The advance indicator for a lane change.

The yellow field of this sign shows that it is a temporary sign, installed for the duration of roadworks. The image on it shows the traffic lanes from above: one of the lanes is closed with a round red symbol, and an arrow coming from below directs the traffic flow into the adjacent lane. The word "advance" in the sign's name is the core of its meaning; the sign is posted before the actual point of the lane change so the driver knows in good time that he must move over.

That very "advance" quality is the sign's safety function. The most dangerous situation in a roadworks zone is when a driver stays in the closed lane until the last moment and then, on seeing the cones, suddenly swerves or brakes hard. The result is a side impact with a vehicle in the adjacent lane, or a rear-end collision. An advance sign gives you time to slow down, check your mirrors and blind spot, signal and change lanes calmly.

In the exam, the option describing the manoeuvre itself is tempting because it sounds practically correct. But the question asks for the sign's name, and this sign's name refers to the lane change. When answering, always associate yellow signs with roadworks and temporary traffic guidance.

• The sign for passing an obstacle shows the obstacle itself in the path and indicates which way to go round it; here the subject is directing the traffic flow into another lane. • This phrase describes the manoeuvre rather than the sign's name; what the sign announces is a lane change in advance.

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