Colors of Street Signs?

Question

Why do street signs vary in color (red for stop signs, yellow for deer crossing/sharp turn/that sort of thing, neon yellow for school zones)? I know this seems bizarre, but I really need to know!

Please help!

Thanks to anyone who answers seriously!

Answer 1

physics tells us that reds, yellows, and greens are the easiest discernible colors to the human eye. That is why these colors are selected for traffic signs, emergency vehicles etc. As to the variations in colors among the signs, it likely has something to with being easily recognized and understood by those with limited reading and/or language skills.

Answer 2

they actually color code the road signs according to their purpose:

Green: for direction related info (where the next exit goes)

Yellow: for signs that warn you to be cautious (lookout for the deer!)

Blue: for public services (rest stops and restaurants)

Orange: for all construction warnings (construction zones)

Red: to STOP! (stop signs as well as wrong way and do not enter signs)

Brown: for historical/natural land feature information (this exit goes to some historical place or some lake)

Neon-yellow: kinda new, for pedestrian caution (school zones, crosswalks, formerly under plain yellow)