Evaluations of special signboards on expressways using eyemark recorder.

This study investigated the effectiveness of traffic signs and their efficient arrangement along the roadway. Two tests are described in which one involved a series of traffic signs and message boards along road improvement works on the Hokuriku Expressway, Japan, and the other a series of special signs warning of the danger of rear-end collision on the approach to tunnels on the Meishin Expressway. Signs included a) guide signs, b) special warning signs relating to rear-end collisions, c) regulatory signs, d) warning signs and e) emergency telephone location signs. The use of an eye mark recorder to observe drivers' visual behaviour when passing through the sections is described. Sign reading behaviour is compared for different types of signs.