En esta noticia
Drivers traveling through the United States may come across a diamond-shaped yellow sign bearing the word “DIP” in black letters. Although the term may be confusing for tourists or people who do not speak English well, it is an important warning about the condition of the road.
What the yellow traffic sign with the word DIP in the middle means
The sign indicates that ahead there is a depression, dip, or steep drop in the roadway profile. For that reason, the driver must reduce speed and cross the area with caution to avoid losing control, hitting the underside of the vehicle, or damaging the tires and suspension.
The official sign, identified in the United States as W8-2, is used to warn of a marked dip in the road profile. The Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices from the Federal Highway Administration states that the signs BUMP and DIP are used to warn, respectively, of a pronounced rise or depression in the road.
What drivers should do when they see it
When observing a DIP sign, the driver should gradually reduce speed before reaching the dip. The main recommendations are:
- Release the accelerator early
- Avoid braking abruptly within the depression
- Keep both hands on the steering wheel
- Increase the distance from the vehicle ahead
- Avoid overtaking or sudden maneuvers
- Pay attention to motorcyclists, bicycles, and low vehicles
The sign may be accompanied by a plaque with a recommended speed, especially when the dip is difficult to cross at the road’s usual speed. Federal regulations expressly allow the BUMP and DIP signs to be supplemented with an advisory speed plaque.