Warning Road Sign (W7-4b)
Sand / Gravel Arrester Bed Sign Meaning & Driving Rules
Indicates a sand or gravel arrester bed configuration for emergency vehicle stopping.
Required Driver Action & Right-of-Way Protocol
Enter the bed centered and keep steering straight until the vehicle stops.
Detailed Overview & Purpose
The Sand/Gravel Arrester Bed sign (W7-4b) informs drivers that the escape ramp uses an aggregate bed to absorb vehicle momentum.
Key Standard & Origin: Arrester beds are engineered so that even fully loaded tractor-trailers can stop without rolling over.
Where You'll Find This Sign
Mountain highway emergency ramps.
Common Driver Mistakes to Avoid
Entering the ramp at an angle instead of straight into the gravel bed.
How This Sign Appears on the DMV Knowledge & Road Test
CDL emergency procedures question.
Legal Penalties and Moving Violations
Property damage citations apply for blocking escape infrastructure.
When you encounter the official Sand / Gravel Arrester Bed (W7-4b) on a roadway, what is your legal duty?
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