What is a common cue that a lane reduction is ahead?

• A. A warning sign
• B. A painted curb line
• C. A traffic signal change
• D. A new speed limit sign

Answer: (A)

Look for advance signals that tell you road layout is changing. A warning sign is the clearest cue that a lane is going to reduce ahead. These signs are placed well before the change to give you time to slow down and start merging safely. They may show arrows or symbols indicating merging or a narrowed roadway, which directly signals that the current lane arrangement will not continue.

Other cues aren’t as direct for this situation: painted curb lines or road markings can be misleading or ambiguous about where a lane ends, while a traffic signal change or a new speed limit sign communicates other types of changes and doesn’t specifically alert you to a lane ending.