The Highway Safety Branch of the Ministry of Transportation and Highways of British Columbia commissioned a research project on the visibility of traffic signals to colour vision and old age drivers. The purpose of this research project was to examine if drivers, particularly those with colour vision deficiencies, have difficulties with recognizing traffic signal light colour and to suggest what might be done to alleviate such problems cost-effectively, This was approached in three ways. Previous research work was reviewed. A questionnaire was designed and administered to a large number of drivers to find out what difficulties they experienced with signal lights. Subjects were also tested using the Photographic also tested using the Photographic Intersection Traffic Signal Simulator (PITSS). This test ascertained what specific difficulties both normal and colour vision deficient drivers had in a variety of different situations. This paper presents an overview of the research project and the main findings. Recommendations regarding further studies to enhance road safety are presented.
Abstract