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Concealed Driveways Ahead – W218 Road Sign

The W218 Concealed Driveways Ahead road sign is a warning sign used to alert drivers that one or more concealed driveways are located on both sides of the roadway ahead.

The warning is intended for locations where restricted sight distance may make it difficult for approaching drivers to see vehicles entering the roadway from property access points. It gives road users advance information so they can remain alert and adjust their driving to the conditions ahead.

What Does the W218 Road Sign Mean?

W218 warns drivers about concealed driveways on both sides of the road.

The sign is used where vehicles entering the roadway from either side may constitute a hazard because the driveway entrances are not clearly visible from an adequate distance.

W218 is a warning sign. It does not itself require drivers to stop or impose a specific speed limit. Drivers must comply with the applicable speed limit and follow all relevant traffic-control instructions.

What Is a Concealed Driveway?

A concealed driveway is a property access point that is difficult for approaching drivers to see because of restricted sight distance.

The South African Road Traffic Signs Manual states that the concealment will normally result from a combination of horizontal or vertical road curvature and/or encroaching vegetation.

For example, driveways may be hidden by a bend, crest, vegetation, embankment or other roadside features. Where concealed accesses occur on both sides of the roadway, W218 can be used to provide a combined warning.

When Is W218 Used?

W218 may be displayed in advance of a section of roadway where one or more concealed driveways occur on both sides and restricted visibility creates a potential hazard.

Potential applications include:

• Rural roads
• Suburban roads
• Residential areas
• Roads serving multiple properties
• Roads with horizontal curves
• Roads with vertical curves or crests
• Locations affected by roadside vegetation
• Commercial property accesses
• Industrial property accesses
• Residential estates and private developments

Why Is a Concealed Driveways Warning Sign Important?

When driveways are difficult to see, drivers may have limited time to identify vehicles entering or leaving properties.

W218 provides advance warning that concealed access points exist on both sides of the roadway. This helps drivers become more aware of possible vehicle movements and approach the affected section with appropriate caution.

The warning can be particularly useful where several property entrances are located along a winding road or where the road profile limits visibility.

What Can Cause Driveways to Be Concealed?

Driveway visibility can be affected by various road and roadside conditions, including:

• Horizontal road curves
• Vertical curves and crests
• Dense or encroaching vegetation
• Buildings and boundary walls
• Embankments and changes in ground level
• Other objects or features that restrict the driver's view

The SARTSM specifically identifies horizontal or vertical curvature and/or encroaching vegetation as normal reasons for concealed driveway conditions.

How Should Drivers Respond to a W218 Sign?

Drivers approaching a W218 sign should remain alert for vehicles entering or leaving driveways on either side of the roadway.

Drivers should:

• Adjust speed to the road and visibility conditions.
• Watch for vehicles emerging from either side.
• Be prepared for vehicles entering or turning onto the roadway.
• Maintain proper vehicle control.
• Keep an appropriate following distance.
• Watch for pedestrians and cyclists using property accesses.
• Follow all applicable speed-limit and traffic-control signs.

W218 Sign Placement

The W218 sign should be positioned in advance of the section where the concealed-driveway hazard may occur.

The SARTSM states that concealed-driveway warning signs should be located according to the operating speed of the road, using the applicable distances provided in Table 3.1 or Figure 3.1.

Where experience with the particular roadway indicates that additional information would be useful, a supplementary advisory speed or distance plate may be placed below the W218 sign on the same support.

The sign should be clearly visible to approaching traffic and should not be obstructed by vegetation, buildings, advertising boards, parked vehicles or other roadside objects.

W218 Sign Design and Colours

The permanent W218 warning sign follows the standard South African warning-sign colour arrangement:

• Triangle: Red retroreflective
• Symbol: Black semi-matt
• Background: White retroreflective

The W218 symbol represents concealed driveway conditions on both sides of the roadway.

Temporary W218 Sign

A temporary version, TW218, is also specified for temporary traffic arrangements.

The temporary sign uses a red retroreflective triangle, black semi-matt symbol and yellow retroreflective background.

TW218 may be used under the same circumstances as the permanent concealed-driveway warning sign when a temporary roadworks detour results in reduced visibility of access points to the roadway.

W218, W216 and W217

The concealed-driveway warning signs are differentiated according to where the concealed accesses occur:

• W216: Concealed Driveway on the right.
• W217: Concealed Driveway on the left.
• W218: Concealed Driveways on both sides.

The correct sign should be selected according to the actual position of the concealed driveway entrances.

W218 and Road Curvature

The symbol used for concealed-driveway warnings is intended to provide a general indication of the road condition. Where necessary, the main direction-of-movement arrow can be modified to more accurately represent the condition causing the driveway to be concealed.

For example, where the concealment is caused by a crest on an otherwise straight road, a straight direction-of-movement arrow may be used instead of a winding-road indication.

W218 and Sharp Curve Warning Signs

At some locations, concealed driveways may occur together with a sharp bend or another road hazard.

The South African road-sign guidance provides for the design characteristics of W216, W217 and W218 to be used together with appropriate sharp-curve warning signs where the road conditions create more than one relevant hazard.

This means that W218 should describe the concealed-driveway hazard while any additional warning sign should address the separate road condition.

W218 Compared with W216 and W217

The main difference between these signs is the side of the roadway where the concealed entrances occur.

W216 is used for concealed driveways on the right, W217 for concealed driveways on the left, and W218 where concealed driveways occur on both sides.

W218 Sign Visibility and Materials

Outdoor W218 signs should be manufactured using materials suitable for the environmental conditions in which they will be installed.

For public-road applications, the sign's dimensions, design, mounting arrangement, colours and retroreflective characteristics should comply with the applicable South African road traffic sign requirements and the requirements of the responsible road authority.

Retroreflective materials can help improve the visibility of the sign when illuminated by vehicle headlights at night.

W218 Signs in South Africa

The W218 Concealed Driveways Ahead sign forms part of the South African road traffic warning-sign system.

Where W218 is used on a public road, its selection, application, placement and installation should follow the applicable South African road traffic sign standards and the requirements of the responsible road authority.

Similar warning signage may also be used on private roads, residential estates, commercial properties, industrial sites and other controlled areas where it forms part of an appropriate internal traffic-management arrangement.

Who May Need W218 Signs?

W218 signage may be relevant to organisations and property managers responsible for roads and vehicle access, including:

• Municipalities
• Road authorities
• Road construction contractors
• Traffic-management contractors
• Property developers
• Residential estates
• Commercial properties
• Industrial facilities
• Road maintenance contractors
• Private road operators

Benefits of Clear Concealed Driveways Warning Signs

• Warns drivers about concealed driveways on both sides of the roadway.
• Draws attention to restricted visibility around property accesses.
• Provides advance information before drivers reach the affected section.
• Alerts drivers to possible vehicles entering from either side.
• Can be useful where vegetation or road curvature restricts sight distance.
• Supports clearer traffic management around multiple property access points.

Frequently Asked Questions About W218 Road Signs

What does W218 mean?

W218 is a Concealed Driveways Ahead warning sign used where concealed driveways occur on both sides of the roadway.

Why are the driveways considered concealed?

They are considered concealed where restricted sight distance makes it difficult for approaching drivers to see vehicles entering the roadway from the access points.

What causes concealed driveways?

The SARTSM states that concealment will normally result from horizontal or vertical road curvature and/or encroaching vegetation.

Does W218 mean that I must stop?

No. W218 is a warning sign. Drivers should remain alert and adjust their driving to the road and visibility conditions.

What is the difference between W216, W217 and W218?

W216 warns of concealed driveways on the right, W217 on the left, and W218 on both sides of the roadway.

Can W218 be used with another warning sign?

Yes. Where a concealed driveway occurs together with another significant hazard, such as a sharp curve, appropriate warning signs may be used together according to the site conditions.

Can the symbol be changed to suit the road?

Yes. The SARTSM allows the main direction-of-movement arrow in the concealed-driveway symbol to be modified where a different indication more accurately represents the condition causing the restricted visibility.

Is there a temporary W218 sign?

Yes. TW218 is the temporary version and may be used where temporary roadworks or detours create reduced visibility of driveway access points.

Can Signs4SA supply W218 signs?

Yes. Signs4SA can assist with W218 Concealed Driveways Ahead signs and other warning, regulatory, traffic-management and road signage. Provide the required sign code, dimensions, quantity and installation requirements when requesting a quotation.

Order W218 Concealed Driveways Warning Signs

Need W218 Concealed Driveways Ahead signs for a road project, residential estate, commercial property, industrial site or traffic-management application?

Contact Signs4SA to discuss your signage requirements, provide your specifications and request a quotation.

Concealed driveways ahead signs come in a variety of styles and formats, including danger signs, warning signs, and caution signs. Danger signs are used to indicate an immediate threat that could cause serious injury or death, such as high voltage areas or hazardous materials. Warning signs are used to indicate potential hazards that could cause injury, such as slippery floors or falling objects. Caution signs are used to indicate potential hazards that could cause minor injury, such as low ceilings or uneven surfaces. Another type of safety sign is the Concealed driveways ahead sign, which is used to provide guidance on safe behavior. These signs can include instructions on how to use equipment or machinery safely, as well as reminders to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) or follow specific safety protocols. Concealed driveways ahead signs can also be used to ensure compliance with safety regulations. For example, fire safety signs are required by law in most public buildings and workplaces. These signs indicate the location of fire exits, fire extinguishers, and other fire safety equipment.

More About Concealed driveways ahead

Safety signs are an essential part of any workplace or public space. They are used to warn people of potential hazards, provide guidance on safe behavior, and ensure compliance with safety regulations. One type of safety sign is the Concealed driveways ahead sign, which is designed to alert people to potential dangers in a particular area. Concealed driveways ahead signs come in a variety of styles and formats, including danger signs, warning signs, and caution signs. Danger signs are used to indicate an immediate threat that could cause serious injury or death, such as high voltage areas or hazardous materials. Warning signs are used to indicate potential hazards that could cause injury, such as slippery floors or falling objects. Caution signs are used to indicate potential hazards that could cause minor injury, such as low ceilings or uneven surfaces. Another type of safety sign is the Concealed driveways ahead sign, which is used to provide guidance on safe behavior. These signs can include instructions on how to use equipment or machinery safely, as well as reminders to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) or follow specific safety protocols. Concealed driveways ahead signs can also be used to ensure compliance with safety regulations. For example, fire safety signs are required by law in most public buildings and workplaces. These signs indicate the location of fire exits, fire extinguishers, and other fire safety equipment. In addition to these types of safety signs, there are also specialized signs available for specific industries or hazards. For example, construction sites may use signs to indicate the location of underground utilities or to warn of falling debris. Healthcare facilities may use signs to remind employees to wash their hands or to indicate the location of first aid supplies. When selecting safety signs, it is important to choose signs that are appropriate for the specific hazard or situation. Signs should be placed in prominent locations where they are easily visible, and should be made from durable materials that can withstand harsh environmental conditions. By using safety signs effectively, businesses and organizations can help protect their employees, customers, and visitors from harm.

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