A “dip” road sign indicates a section of roadway that drops to a lower elevation and then rises again. This depression may be gradual or abrupt. The purpose of this visual warning is to alert drivers to the potential hazard, prompting them to reduce speed and maintain control of their vehicle. For example, encountering such a sign might suggest an upcoming area prone to water accumulation after rainfall, or a location where the vehicle’s suspension could be significantly compressed if speed is not adjusted.
The significance of this type of notification lies in its proactive role in accident prevention. By providing advance notice of a change in road profile, drivers can avoid bottoming out their vehicles, losing control due to unexpected changes in momentum, or encountering standing water at high speed. Historically, these signals have evolved from simple verbal warnings to standardized visual cues recognized across various jurisdictions, enhancing road safety for both local and transient drivers.