What SLOW on the road actually means

Do you know what SLOW written on the road actually means? Big thanks to my viewer Benjamin Hague for the idea for the video 👍🏼 Just to clarify, this is not the official meaning in the Highway Code or any traffic law, but it is the correct way of thinking about these markings.
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[@David_Crayford]

Should be balanced by periodic *FAST* signs. Which stands for _Full Acceleration - Smash Throttle_

[@ryanbarry7670]

Hahaha brilliant

[@Unchained_Alice]

Amber lights already do that!

[@kenbrown2808]

and the red signs at intersections mean Slide Tyres On Pavement

[@brantnuttall]

lol

[@gingernutpreacher]

Or drive it like stole it

[@jamesknightreading]

Where my mother lives, there used to be a sign saying 'Slow Children'. I always thought it meant the local kids were a bit dim. :)

[@adambutterworth7608]

😂😂

[@PedroConejo1939]

Police Slow is another information sign put out by helpful coppers.

[@gordondry]

In Germany there are signs "Achtung! Kinder!" and I always cringe when I see them.

[@kenbrown2808]

many communities where I live make a game of hand lettered signs. one says "old dog, young dog, several dumb dogs: please go slow"

[@streamleazefishhouse]

Get ARAF written on the roads here. what does that stand for?

[@alexandernordstrom1617]

And SCHOOL written on the road means Small Children Hopping Out Onto Lane. True story.

[@henryginn7490]

I have found that I never need to slow down when it says slow. From my experience it means "if you are driving like a moron then this is the bit you actually need to pay attention to the speed limit if you want to continue living". It's nice for the warning of increased risk though

[@aquanick2001]

Really? I use the slow as a marker for the start of the braking zone, turn in, clip the apex and power out…….is that not right 🤔

[@richardwareing8298]

If it was April 1st I'd have laughed and said "nice try Ashley"! . I've been driving for nearly 50 years and never knew that! Thanks 😊

[@richardwareing8298]

@@SovietChris since found out it's a 'backronym'

[@davel831]

I honestly did not know that well I never!!

[@nialltracey2599]

@@SovietChris Indeed. I'm learning to drive and have been putting a lot of stock in Ashley's videos, but this one has chopped my confidence in him off at the knees.

[@vviiper]

"CAUTION" would make more sense, but "SLOW" is shorter and whether or not you know what it stands for, it gets the job done.

[@Keithbarber]

Surely "CAUTION" means take care?

[@CristiNeagu]

Besides, it wouldn't be CAUTION, would it? It would be: TION CAU

[@georgecromar4094]

Historically there is the issue of the white painted road makings offering less grip to motorcyclists. SLOW offers the option of taking less white paint by riding over the single horizontal part of the L and the top and bottom part of the O. The word CAUTION painted on the road would be a greater issue for motorcyclists.

[@Unchained_Alice]

Just put C in the road!

[@loc4725]

@@georgecromar4094 How about a single, centered explanation mark? Easy to see with a clear meaning and as a bonus it leaves space at the sides for motorcycles and doesn't wear as quick as cars aren't likely to run over it.

[@Paul_Lucas]

I did not know this - always took it as a general warning "check speed, be careful" rather than a mandatory SLOW DOWN but never knew it stood for Speed Low Observation Warning!

[@nialltracey2599]

That's cos it doesn't. "Speed Low Observation Warning" is a backronym -- something formed after the fact. Slow means "don't go too fast as there is a hazard of some kind ahead".

[@ashley_neal]

@Niall Tracey which is the whole message of the video 👍🏼

[@fr.mcgreer8349]

@@ashley_neal However, you state that it is an acronym of Speed Low Observation Warning which it is not.

[@AndyWoodger]

@@fr.mcgreer8349 Acronym! hee hee

[@fr.mcgreer8349]

@@AndyWoodger ha ha... oh yeah I typed 'an' twice.... fixed now.... an acronym 👍

[@Larry]

Good job there isn't one for country lanes telling you to Turn Wide Around Tractors :D

[@bradador1]

You old lug. Reel it in boy

[@Indaryn]

Good God, hand this man a medal!

[@kabochaVA]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 Very good one Larry! 👍

[@kabochaVA]

BUT HELLO YOU... Beware: Up The Hill, Especially Long Litany Over Yelping Overzealous Utopian. (a warning sign that someone is going to talk at length about Peter Molyneux... 😝)

[@gordon861]

I doubt SLOW actually means "speed low observation warning", it sound like an acronym that someone made up after the fact rather than the intended meaning. If that was the real meaning of the word the translation to Welsh would not be ARAF. It is used to advise caution and advise that you may need to slow down. According to the TSRGD "Although the marking may be used alone, it is most effective when it complements a warning sign so that drivers are told why they need to slow down. The marking may be used with advance signs giving warning of STOP and GIVE WAY but not to supplement the GIVE WAY sign itself. Discretion should be exercised in the use of the marking to ensure that its impact is not reduced through proliferation. At particularly hazardous situations, e.g. on the approach to a bend at the end of a long straight section of high speed road, the marking may be repeated to give added emphasis"

[@ibs5080]

I commented the same regarding the Welsh ARAF.

[@DNRTannen]

A classic backronym, but if it helps people remember the intent behind it then whatever works!

[@PedroConejo1939]

Yep, ARAF came immediately to mind. As you say, probably an acronym made after the fact like Save Our Souls for SOS. Having said that, I always ask, 'Why's that there?' which I suppose is the intent of the acronym.

[@MarkHarmer]

Those road signs are to warn of the wild Welsh Araf, which lurks around near corners to try to catch unsuspecting motorists.

[@jdb47games]

Indeed. This is clearly a backronym, like Port Out Starboard Home, that Ashley has fallen for.

[@hellomynameisjim]

I am fascinated to learn there's people out there who read "SLOW" on the road and slow down EVERY TIME; hence the need for this video and the backronym. Thanks Ashley!

[@nigelcox1451]

Slow is a such a soft word with little impact. I like the Welsh word on thier roads, ARAF. Sounds like a dog barking at you, gets more attention. No idea whether it is more effective, I just like it. "If you haven't yet identified why SLOW is on the road, you are probably still travelling too fast."

[@broadsword6650]

And STOP means “Surrender To Opposite People” while GIVE WAY really means “Go If Vehicles Each Way Aren’t Yelling”…

[@robertkustos2931]

Also : ONE WAY . Only Nerds Ever Wander Against You .

[@BM-jy6cb]

Best advice I was given as a learner over 35 years ago was simply "the more white paint there is, the more cautious you need to be" - it sounds obvious, but sums it up in a single easy to comprehend sentence.

[@R04drunner1]

I'd never heard that before. Apparently it's a "backronym", in other words an acronym made up to fit a word already in place. It can also be taken to mean "Speed Low, Observe Warnings" - which is essentially the same thing. Even though SLOW isn't really an acronym, the approach Ashley takes is spot on. Treat it like an extra hazard warning and look for why it's there. You most probably will have to physically slow down but it's not a mandatory commandment to do so. Unlike the STOP sign, at which you do have to physically stop!

[@whitesapphire5865]

I have to confess, after all my years of driving, that's the first time I've ever heard that. Even as I was learning to drive, some forty odd years back, I was given to believe that it was a warning to moderate your speed, so you're right, I've learnt something this morning.

[@Flaruwu]

It's not entirely true, its a backronym. In wales it's replaced by araf which means slow in welsh, and isn't an acronym.

[@aircadet888]

In Wales, they write 'ARAF' under 'SLOW'. Araf is Welsh for Slow, which suggests 'Slow' on the road just means to drive slow

[@Edsbar]

So how does that translate into Welsh? In Wales, you will see ARAF painted on the road which is the tranlation of slow from english.

[@paulreed5077]

Good point!

[@owyn768]

I was about to write this.

[@Edsbar]

Having read gordon861's comment that goes into more detail it appears that Ash made a good interpretation of what this road marking should mean and although says and means slow (as the Welsh bit demonstrates) the acronym is of far more use to drivers in their daily quest to keep safe, as always great advice and I apologise if my first comment seemed negative.

[@handsoffmycactus2958]

Slow doesn’t stand for anything. Ashley should’ve been more clear. It’s a backronym

[@margaretnicol3423]

I always read as as slow down because there's something around here you need to be careful about so keep your eyes peeled.

[@donaljamescaddye3805]

Thanks for that Ashley - the driving standard here in Ireland is abysmal and all the wee tricks on your channel has really helped me especially around anticipation and observation- I've learned more in 6 months watching your channel than I have in nearly 30 years of driving !

[@eddiestravels8802]

Couldn't find any mention of this in the Highway Code, but a few other sites are saying the same thing. I have been driving 40+ years and had a few driving tests in different types of vehicles over those years and this is the first time I heard of this. Learnt something new today, Thank You

[@kylemenzies4447]

Learned something. Like every other time I watch this channel. Love it!!

[@handsoffmycactus2958]

It doesn’t stand for anything it’s a backronym

[@dogbrush]

I've always read it as a hazard warning where you need to be at a speed to be able to stop before the point you cannot see (might be a bend, a hill or an otherwise signposted junction). Check your speed is appropriate for the road, whatever it is!

[@johnkeepin7527]

They are meant to be advisory, in the main - after all, we are supposed to be able to stop within our field of vision. On the other side of the coin, there are quite a few places where there are speed limit signs that are so close to sharp curves that if you try to treat them as targets, you’ll be in trouble - like a 50 one just after which you really need to be down to 20 - 30! Such signs don’t mean it’s safe to drive at that speed.

[@aquanick2001]

You should always be able to stop in the distance you can see to be clear…….so you can apply that all the time.

[@davepengelly9001]

Thanks Ashleigh for raising this. It's not even mentioned in The Highway Code, but it is in the sister publication from the Department on Transport "Know Your Traffic Signs", which states that it is "Associated with a hazard. There will normally be an upright warning sign" As an Observer (trainer) for Iamroadsmart, I always tell my trainees that even if there isn't an upright sign (often the case nowadays) to be extra cautious and try to identify the hazard that the road marking is warning you about. It doesn't necessarily require a slowing down, (but it might). Another "bacronym" I've come across (equally banal, but if it makes the driver increase caution all well & good) is Special Look Out - Watch. It's use seems to be inconsistent, depending on the local authority. I know of 1 road where it occurs 7 times in a distance of about 500 yards, with an increased speed limit about 30 yards before the last instance of SLOW.

[@spychopath]

I thought that "SLOW" on the road meant that there was some sort of hazard or potential hazard for which the posted speed limit would likely be inappropriate for navigating. Such as, a blind junction, an unusually sharp bend etc. Which seems pretty close to what Ashley is saying it means. Also, +1 to the backronym warning.

[@CED99]

At least one person will have been involved in a SERIOUS road collision for SLOW signs to be painted on the road surface.

[@ryanmitcham5522]

@@CED99 Have you got a source for that? My parents had an issue with many near misses emerging from their drive because it was concealed on a bend. Too many drivers who were impossible to see were coming round the bend far too fast to appropriately react to a vehicle emerging from the drive. The council refused to allow a mirror to be erected (Reasoning: Not permitted on 30mph roads as they don't want to be overused reducing their effect on driver behaviour), but did offer to paint a SLOW warning on the road. No collision, never mind SERIOUS had occurred. So perhaps your source is local policy rather than a national thing.

[@MrNeeds]

I didn't know it stood for Speed Low Observation Warning, but then again, I live in Wales and it also has the translation for "slow" (Araf) on the road which makes it more confusing because that would say Rhybudd Arsylwi Cyflymder Isel (RACI?) which literally translates as caution attention velocity depression, when I learned to drive though, I was always taught that slow meant there's a reason it's there, be prepared to deal with something surprising.

[@davidellis8141]

Well didn’t know that and I thought I knew most things about driving but needed fine turning. Thanks for the new knowledge.

[@ace_55581]

I didn’t know this! It’s things like this little nugget of info why I’m watching this channel! Thank you.

[@kenstevens5065]

I've always thought of it as proceed with caution as taught to me by my driving instructor in 1967. I must be getting old. You used to also see GO SLOW which I thought meant slow down. That reminds me of a tale that an elderly Aunt told me years ago. When riding in a sidecar with my uncle touring in the 1930's he shouted 'Where are we Annie'? 'Goslow' she replied, having just passed over the GO SLOW road marking. True!

[@PaulBednall]

That reminds me of a travelling companion who a few years ago asked me "why are there so many towns called Ausfahrt in Germany?"

[@anthonyphilips7171]

@@PaulBednall And when you are going round some roundabouts, have you ever noticed how may turn-offs there are to that town called All Other Routes

[@handsoffmycactus2958]

It doesn’t stand for anything it’s a backronym

[@MelodeonTunes]

This is almost certainly not correct, I would guess its a backronym where some one has made up to fit the letters. I Googled it and there were only two other instances of this 'fact'.

[@burgersnchips]

Definitely a bacronym I recall being told Speed Low Observe Well on my driver training and questioning it then too.

[@ipb1966]

It’s 100% not correct,

[@jonclark9290]

I would agree as in Wales it is accompanied by ARAF which is Welsh for SLOW.

[@johnduheaume6650]

Greetings Lester! Glad to see someone else who doesn't hide behind a ridiculous non sense name, time off from your channel which I follow to get a tune in my head, just back from Halsway and building an Emmanuel Pariselle 2.4 row.!🎹 :lll:

[@kailani37]

@@jonclark9290 lol what else would it be if not araf?

[@julie5son5]

Something new I learnt today. Thanks

[@grahambonner508]

Thanks - something new I learnt today. I was told during my speed awareness training some years ago that the SLOW signs were normally painted where there had at some point been a fatal accident.

[@FFVoyager]

I don't think it has to be fatal, just a serious problem area.

[@deadlymarkham]

That’s not the case - SLOW is painted on new roads

[@handsoffmycactus2958]

It doesn’t stand for anything it’s a backronym

[@alistar5465]

My instructor thought me that it meant drive whats suitable for traffic and dont increase speed but now i get you 😅 knowledge is very important thank you ash for educating us ❤️

[@Zulisian]

I didn't know, but I have used them to slow down on roads I didn't know at all. Which has been a massive help on some country roads as the corners are much tighter than you expect sometimes.

[@Indoor_Carrot]

Whenever I see the words "SLOW SCHOOL" on the road I just think "That's a bit harsh, I'm sure those kids are trying their best in class" 😆

[@tbone121974]

Good to know that Ashley. Caution would be better. I've watched your videos for the few months. It's helped me to concentrate on my driving rather than going around on autopilot. I believe it has improved the way I drive and find I make smoother maneuvers and better progress. Keep up the good work.

[@tylercardy6644]

More people should know this. I was taught it during my blue light training, my instructor was ‘from Lundun guv’ and said it meant ‘Speed Low Observe What if’. I did manage to translate ‘what if’ to warning. Hahaha.

[@wildwalkeruk]

I did not know this! thanks for the update.

[@cloudmaker]

When we were riding with Dad in his lorry he used to say that Slough must be a popular place, then he would point to the word SLOW in the road and say look there's signs for it everywhere!

[@rallymanize]

Did not know this! Thanks for explaining.

[@chrisward4141]

I didn't know this, I thought it was a warning to reduce speed, thanks for clarifying what it means.

[@MukeshThaker]

Always something to learn - thanks

[@andrewnorris5415]

Apparently, it's "Speed Low Observe Warning". But I prefer your version as it makes people think more generally of what any dangers could be at the location. I.e. look around for possible danger. Rather than just - observe the warning about speed.

[@neiltill7414]

Not something I knew the meaning of personally, I like many other people just thought it meant slow down, they say you learn something new every day and I did so thank you Ashley.

[@nialltracey2599]

It doesn't mean "slow down", it means "don't go fast". If you're already "not fast", you don't have to change your speed.

[@markplenty2631]

Thanks for that, I always thought it was something to do with that, but never knew it was an acronym for something else.

[@rpvespa]

You have improved me again AN. Thank you sir.

[@johnmit]

In my experience the definition of SLOW depends on which part of the UK you are in. In England, SLOW means there might be a hazard or something requiring extra caution ahead. Sometimes they will write it multiple times in the road, but even then 95% of the time you don't need to actually slow down. In Wales, SLOW / ARAF means there is most definitely a hazard ahead, most likely a hairpin or blind corner. It will only be written once, and if you don't slow down you will crash.

[@jasonc9194]

Another great video and very informative, thank you :)

[@kevincross9206]

Well you live and learn! Had absolutely no idea about that!

[@andycole6982]

If someone has gone to the trouble and expense of painting the road or erecting a sign they must have had a good reason. They are placed where they are needed either because there have been collisions in the past or because there is a hazard up ahead that could easily be missed. A great example are sharp bend warning signs. They will warn drivers of the first tight bend after a long stretch of road with no tight bends, particularly if it the exit of the bend is hidden and makes it harder to judge how tight it is, but they are unlikely to warn drivers about subsequent bends because you should no longer need the warning.

[@badgerboyboogie]

Thanks, Ashley.👍 This is something new to me.✔

[@jakerockznoodles]

Fantastic, I wasn't aware of that. I was made aware of how to behave around them but not literally what it meant, every day's a school day 👍

[@richd9658]

Wasn’t aware of that! I always treat them as “caution” and reinforcing tempo of the road

[@Otis19450]

Wahay, I've just learned something as well as the roundabout with a curb!

[@MeFreeBee]

I had always interpreted to mean that the maximum safe speed ahead is lower than it is here. If you are already below the safe upper limit you may not need to slow ahead, but be aware you might.

[@anthonysach]

In Ireland I came across this a couple of times. Going along a narrow winding road you see SLOW and as you get nearer a corner you see SLOWER.

[@johndean4998]

Police Traffic Officer: "Why were doing only 15 mph after that bend, Sir? Me: "I was merely obeying orders."

[@JodokusHV]

Brilliant! I've just learned something!

[@jasontaylor7120]

It is usually used as an indication of a secondary hazard ie on the approach to a hillcrest with a hidden junction, on the approach to a double apex bend where the second corner is tighter than the first. It can be used in conjuction with countdown markers on the approach to a change in speed, especially in areas with a lot of excess speeding.

[@Daniel-ug3ie]

Wait...so it doesn't mean slow in the literal sense? What does araf mean then? 🤔

[@nxt472]

‘Activate Road Awareness Function’ It directly translates from Welsh to ‘look where you’re going you tosspot’

[@andrewmolloy5095]

ARAF is the welsh spelling of SLOW, google translate it.

[@nwtn9878]

araf means slow in the literal sense. rhybudd or sylw would make more sense to what SLOW is trying to convey, warning or attention respectively

[@Daniel-ug3ie]

@@andrewmolloy5095 yes it's the direct translation of slow, but it's an acronym so slow on the roads doesn't actually mean slow...if it was a true translation (and Google translate is to be trusted) it should be rhybudd arsylwi cyflymder isel (RACI)

[@gordon861]

@@Daniel-ug3ie RACI would probably encourage more speeding.

[@thomascarroll9556]

Nearly four and a half thousand views and 200+ comments in three hours shows how influential this channel is.😊

[@nickrobinson1954]

I use another interpretation of SLOW particularly applying to bends - Stay Left (RH bend) Out Wide (LH bend) to give a bit more of a view round the bend. I like your version though and will apply it. Great little video, thanks.

[@markadams3008]

always learning new stuff on your vids ashley lad! cup of tea and doughnut, great viewing! you should do a vid on the end of m58 towards m6, where triggered lorry drivers block the merge lane.

[@paulstevens9409]

I didnt know it was an abbreviation, I just thought it meant go slow...but the speed limit hadn't changed so its a bit of a contradiction. Now I know, cheers

[@archangel6415]

I’ve just learned something, however, in retrospect I have nonetheless treated SLOW correctly by watching my speed as all too often ‘SLOW’ did involve slowing down! I think the situation dictates how to interpret this and most road signs (not all signs!) traffic lights for example. Thanks again!

[@handsoffmycactus2958]

Doesn’t stand for anything

[@djburland]

Yes, as on a previous video, you were overtaken on a road that had speed bumps and Slow, clearly indicating a need to be cautious (unlike the car that sped past you)

[@MohammedFahimUddin1999]

Lol I didn't know it meant that. Whenever I'm driving and saw that written on the road I thought it meant just go slow. Thanks for the info Ashley Neal👌👍

[@jasonk7072]

Best bit of advice I was given was the more paint and signs there are, the more you should slow down and be alert.

[@moonshinepz]

specially on a bike in the wet....

[@horrgakx]

I don't remember this being taught on the standard police response course, so good information!

[@ashley_neal]

You won't have as it's not in any legislation.👍🏼

[@horrgakx]

@@ashley_neal Good point, thanks. But great food for thought.

[@horrgakx]

@@ashley_neal Thinking about it, there was a lot of stuff included that isn't part of legislation, call them tips, good practice, whatever. But all good to know.

[@daverose8082]

The question then is "Who decides when and where SLOW signs are placed - and why?" I was told (at a speed awareness class) that these signs indicated where accidents had happened and someone had died. This is why some corners don't have a SLOW sign (ie nobody has died there) to some places, like the village I live in, having six signs .

[@robloxfan4271]

Never knew that, thanks!

[@madmuppet8039]

Interesting, I’ve never encountered those elusive Pelicans or Zebras, attempting to cross in front of me either !! And as for those “Heavy Plants”, has anybody actually seen a giant cactus attempting that crossing ?

[@dom24363]

Or a triffid

[@grimsbyhackney479]

Yeah. I've never seen any blokes dressed as teddy boys singing tiger feet when it said "Mud On The Road" either.

[@madmuppet8039]

@@grimsbyhackney479 Ha ha yeah, I remember when that came out, i was only 8 You’ve exposed your age with that comment. 😆

[@rogiermaas]

We don't have that written on roads in The Netherlands (in fact, we don't have any texts written on the asphalt as they tend to be slippery when wet), but now I know! Thanks!

[@tevnny94]

Honestly did not know that. Thanks for the clarification

[@ghosthost92gaming73]

I did not know that, thank you!

[@JoannaHammond]

I always interpret it as, increase observation and keep a close eye out. You don't need to slow done unless the road conditions require it.

[@U2QuoZepplin]

That's fascinating . I never imagined that it meant anything but a literal instruction to reduce your speed . "Speed- Low- Observation- Warning;" seems like a good one for the "Plain English," brigade because that could mean almost anything. It almost sounds like an instruction for someone else or like one of those patches on the motorway where the hard shoulder is reserved for police or something . That's my new thing learned for the day.

[@PP-cm4re]

I always thought it was straight forward really. Considering it’s always just before a potential hazard like a blind bend or a side road. You don’t necessarily slow down, but be prepared for a potential hazard.

[@SarahJonestoo]

Everyday's a school day! Thank you.

[@goodguykonrad3701]

Not something I "knew", but definitely something I was aware of. Can't remember if anyone told me it didn't mean to slow down, but I've always read it as caution. In my mind, seeing SLOW in the road always meant I needed to take a second to think about what I was doing, and what might be different about the road ahead

[@handsoffmycactus2958]

It doesn’t stand for anything it’s a backronym

[@SCOTTCOD4]

Just learned something new!

[@IanDarley]

An exclamation mark in a triangle would be good alternative because it doesn't require any language. It is pretty much understood by anybody as 'alert' or 'caution'.

[@robertkustos2931]

Where i live most of the lines and arrows are worn back to the tarmac . . I didn't know SLOW meant that , but bearing in mind I'm always focused when driving anyway . . As always keep up the good content . Thanks

[@lukesworkshop238]

Something I did not know! I've always read it as to be more cautious.

[@SODtv]

Which is exactly the same thing.

[@dianebryan8595]

Thank you, I've just learnt something, 😊

[@sideshowmatt7119]

I did not know this. Nice one Ashley.

[@Thomas-sz8mk]

Very interesting. I've learnt something new today

[@drozycoder2007]

I didn't know it was meant to be an acronym. But I did answer the question myself as "slow down because there are hazards ahead"

[@shagzmania]

Learned something new today.

[@JT-tm5vj]

Awesome! Never knew!

[@supervitz7178]

I always say "more paint means more restraint". If the road planners or councils have painted a SLOW or more lines or any other markings it means you might be coming up to an accident hotspot or something else you need to apply caution to. Never heard of Speed low observation warning but that works well too. Many times after an accident investigation there will be onus on road planners to improve the safety and they will resort to painting SLOW. It's a good one and not many people know this, I certainly ignore such markings when I first passed my test.

[@So-Flo]

Brilliant! Thanks :)

[@Camberwell86]

When we were driving home from the depot in the van at 3am there was a big Hill where you could get a really good negative G jump (that funny tummy feeling) and SLOW was the marker where the corner ended and you needed to boot it lmao 😂

[@claireitsme]

Wow i never knew 😳...Thought it just meant Slow down....Ta Ashley Neal...Ashley Neal videos are the best 🤗

[@PaulBednall]

Every day's a school day. Thanks, Ashley. I wonder how many know the significance of the different spacings of the centre lines.

[@handsoffmycactus2958]

It doesn’t stand for anything it’s a backronym

[@VideoNarstee]

Was taught that during my IAM course.

[@elliotridley-smith9304]

Didn't know that, thanks for edificating!

[@davidpowell3347]

Would mean in this country to be prepared for a possible sudden obstruction appearing requiring rapid stop to avoid collision and to check that you are driving at a speed that allows you braking distance that is less than your sight distance. As around a curve obstructing your line of sight. Might be used where a playground or school pedestrian crossing is coming up or a hidden driveway entrance.

[@cajadaj]

Yes, it means 'caution there is a potential hazard(s) ahead that you may not have seen or noticed yet' So when seen on an approach to a bend it could, for example, be there to warn that there is a junction immediately ahead but still out of your view around the bend.

[@johntravis9029]

26 years driving , just didn't know this , crazy!

[@PatrickBijvoet]

I learned something. But also because I only see these markings and the markings at the end of your video after the SLOW marking only in Britain.