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11. Railroad crossing

A railroad crossing (also called a level crossing) is a place where a railway line and a road (or path) cross at the same level — meaning, there’s no bridge or tunnel, just a flat intersection.

• Stop when lights flash or gates come down.
• Never try to 'beat the train' — it's dangerous and often illegal.
• Look both ways, even if you don’t hear or see a train.
• Wait until gates are fully up and lights stop flashing before crossing.
• Never stop on the tracks — always make sure there’s room on the other side before crossing.

© Wikimedia.org/Leif Jørgensen, CC BY-SA

12. Crossing animals

A crossing animals sign is a warning sign indicating that animals may unexpectedly enter or cross the road. These can be wild animals (e.g. deer) or domestic animals (e.g. cows, sheep), depending on the region.

• How to Avoid Hitting Wildlife:
  • Slow down in rural, wooded, or signed wildlife zones.
  • Be extra cautious at dawn and dusk—times when animals are most active.
  • Watch for movement along road edges.
  • Use high beams when safe at night for better visibility.
  • If you see one animal, expect more—they often travel in groups.
  • Don’t swerve suddenly—brake firmly and stay in control.
• What to Do If You Hit an Animal:
  • Pull over safely and check for damage
  • Don’t approach large injured animals—they can be dangerous
  • Report it to local authorities or animal control if the animal is large or a road hazard.
  • If it’s a domestic pet, try to contact the owner or notify animal services.

© Wikimedia.org/Beethoven9, CC BY-SA

13. Wrong-way driving

Wrong-way driving is when a vehicle travels in the opposite direction of traffic, usually on one-way roads, highways, or exit ramps. It's extremely dangerous and often leads to head-on collisions, which are among the most severe and deadly types of crashes. Wrong-way driving is extremely dangerous and often caused by confusion, distraction, or impairment. The best prevention is staying alert and following road signs carefully.

• Common Causes of Wrong-Way Driving:
  • Driver confusion, especially at night or in poor visibility.
  • Impaired driving (alcohol or drugs).
  • Missing or misunderstood road signs.
  • Elderly or inexperienced drivers.
  • Distracted driving.
  • Entering an exit ramp or turning the wrong way onto a one-way street.
• How to Avoid Wrong-Way Driving:
  • Always obey road signs, especially “One Way,” “Do Not Enter,” and arrows.
  • Be extra alert in unfamiliar areas, at night, or in low visibility.
  • Avoid distractions and impairment.
  • Use GPS with voice navigation if unsure of directions.

© Wikimedia.org/Orf3us, CC BY

14. Selective barriers

Selective barriers are types of barriers that allow certain people, vehicles, or objects to pass through while blocking or restricting others. They are commonly used for security, traffic control, or access management—letting only authorized or specific types of traffic through.

• Boom gates / barrier arms - Allows vehicles one at a time (with a pass or payment).
• Toll gates - Allows vehicles after paying tolls or using an electronic pass.
• Access-controlled bollards - Lower or retract only for authorized vehicles.
• Turnstiles - Allows one person at a time with a ticket or ID.
• Smart gates - Use sensors or IDs to decide who/what can pass.

© Wikimedia.org/Thomas Hindsgaul, CC BY-DK

15. Traffic lights

Traffic lights are signaling devices used to control the flow of traffic at intersections, pedestrian crossings, and other points on the road. They operate using a universal color system: red means stop, yellow (amber) signals that the light is about to change and warns drivers to prepare to stop, and green allows traffic to proceed when safe. By providing clear and timed instructions, traffic lights help prevent collisions, ensure smoother traffic flow, and create safer conditions for both drivers and pedestrians.

• Standard Traffic Light Colors:
  • Red - Stop – Do not enter the intersection.
  • Yellow - Get ready to stop, Light is about to turn red.
  • Green - Go – Proceed if the way is clear.
• Pedestrian Traffic Lights:
  • Red person = Don’t cross.
  • Green person = Safe to cross.
  • Some also beep or count down for accessibility.
• Arrow Traffic Lights:
  • Show specific directions (e.g., green arrow for turning left).
  • Help manage turning traffic separately from straight-moving cars.

© Wikimedia.org/Leif Jørgensen, CC BY-SA

16. Pedestrian lights

Pedestrian lights are special traffic signals designed to control the movement of pedestrians at crossings. They typically use clear symbols: a red standing figure telling pedestrians to wait, and a green walking figure indicating it is safe to cross. In many places, the green phase may be accompanied by a countdown timer or a blinking phase to warn that the signal will soon change. These lights help separate pedestrian movement from vehicle traffic, improving safety and reducing conflicts at busy intersections.

• Red person - Don’t walk – wait at the curb.
• Green person - Walk – safe to cross.
• Some lights also include:
  • A countdown timer showing how many seconds are left to cross.
  • Beeping sounds or vibrations to help visually impaired pedestrians.

© Wikimedia.org/CAPTAIN RAJU, CC BY-SA

17. Roadmarks

Roadmarks (or Road Markings) are painted lines, symbols, and signs on roads that guide drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians. They help with traffic control, lane discipline, and road safety.

• Solid White Line - Stay in your lane, no crossing allowed.
• Broken White Line - You can change lanes when safe.
• Stop Line - Stop before the intersection or sign.
• Give Way Line (Yield Line) - Slow down and give way to traffic.
• Zebra Crossing (Pedestrian Crosswalk) - Pedestrians have right of way.
• Bicycle Lane Marking - Reserved for cyclists only.
• Bus Lane Marking - Only buses can use this lane.
• Hatched Markings (Diagonal Stripes) - No stopping or parking.
• Box Junction (Yellow Grid) - Keep clear, don’t block the intersection.
• Speed Limit Markings - Maximum allowed speed.
• Arrows on Lanes - Shows direction of travel (straight, turn left/right).

© Wikimedia.org/80eren, CC0

18. Driving license

A driving license is an official document issued by a government authority that permits a person to legally operate one or more types of motor vehicles on public roads. It confirms that the holder has met the required standards of knowledge (theory), practical driving skills, and medical fitness, and is therefore considered competent to drive safely within the law.

• Personal and official document (often a card).
• Issued after passing theory and practical exams.
• Valid for specific vehicle categories (e.g. car, motorcycle, truck).
• Must be carried while driving (depending on country rules).
• Serves as proof of driving competence and identity.

The frontside of a Danish driving license. © Wikimedia.org/Infestor, CC BY

19. Traffic mirror

A traffic mirror is a curved mirror placed near roads, intersections, driveways, or blind corners to help drivers and pedestrians see around obstacles and improve safety.

• Blind corners - Help drivers see oncoming traffic.
• Tight driveways or exits - Improve visibility when entering a road.
• Parking lots - Prevent collisions between vehicles and pedestrians.
• Alleyways or narrow roads - Spot cross-traffic or hidden vehicles.

© Wikimedia.org/Manfred Werner, CC BY-SA

20. International border

An international border is the official dividing line between two countries. It marks where the territory, laws, and authority of one country end and another’s begin.

• Border checkpoints - Places where people and goods are inspected (e.g. airports, land crossings).
• Passports and visas - Usually required to cross legally.
• Security or fencing - Some borders have fences, walls, or patrols for control.
• Customs and immigration - Control who and what enters or leaves the country.

An international border sign when entering Denmark. © Wikimedia.org/Rémih, CC BY-SA