Final answer:
Road signs are the highway characteristic that provides advance information and warnings to drivers about upcoming driving situations, such as changes in traffic patterns or potential hazards.
Step-by-step explanation:
The highway characteristic that provides advance information and warning about approaching driving situations is road signs. Road signs are specifically designed to alert drivers to possible hazards, changes in speed limits, the presence of pedestrian crossings, and other critical traffic information that requires their attention.
For instance, when a new traffic signal is installed at an intersection, road signs are often put up in advance to alert drivers of the upcoming change. This can significantly reduce the chance of accidents, as drivers are forewarned and can adjust their speed accordingly.
Moreover, physics can explain aspects of traffic, such as the impact of speed on stopping distances, which in turn informs the setting of speed limits and the placement of signs. Signs provide cues that help drivers make decisions about the correct speed to travel, whether it is safe to cross the road, and route choice, especially when there's ongoing construction or other delays.