Even though a lot of attention is paid to the design of road signs, a legible and understandable sign does not necessarily mean drivers also perceive the sign if it is mounted along the side of the road. Quite some research has tried to understand this principle, and by using different research methods, some insight in the process of perceiving signs has been provided. Different research methods are described and discussed, all with their specific advantages and limitations. The methods described are eye movement studies, studies using verbal reports while driving, studies recording driver behaviour and studies asking drivers to recall or recognise a sign after having passed it. There seems to be quite a large difference between the perception of those drivers who are actively searching for some information and drivers who are not actively searching for some information but are rather waiting what attracts their attention. Especially, a strong contrast of the sign against the environment and the size of the sign are important factors when subjects are actively searching for the significance the message has to the driver seems to play an important role. With all methods having their own limitations, a combination of several methods is to be recommended. As a conclusion it is recommended that, in the future, more research should be directed towards the effect of expectations in the perception of traffic signs. (Author/publisher)
Abstract