What do diagonal stripes on a barricade indicate?

Diagonal stripes on a barricade are designed to guide drivers regarding the intended direction for traffic flow. They serve as a visual cue that helps indicate the safe path for vehicles to follow and alerts drivers to the presence of an obstruction or hazard ahead. When a barricade features diagonal stripes, it signifies that vehicles should navigate around the barrier, which is particularly useful in construction zones or areas where lane shifts occur.

The other options do not accurately describe the primary function of diagonal stripes. While barricades may also keep traffic away from specific areas or signal a road closure, this is generally represented with additional signage rather than the pattern of the stripes. Speed limit changes are indicated by different traffic signs altogether and do not relate to barricade patterns. Understanding these nuances helps enhance road safety and ensures that drivers can respond appropriately to road conditions.