As part of a nordic project "The comprehension of signing and road markings" this study examines motorists' comprehension of various traffic signs and a few forms of road markings. The following two hypothesis have been put up: 1) Traffic signs vary with regard to how easy they are to comprehend. It is assumed that traffic signs with the content of pictograms are more easy to understand than traffic signs with the content of symbols; and 2) Motorists' comprehension of traffic signs can be improved if the traffic sign is presented in accordance with the appearance of the traffic surroundings. Beyong this the comprehension of the principles behind the traffic sign system is examined, as the shape and colour of traffic signs are supposed to signal whether it is a warning sign, prohibitory sign, etc. Finally it is examined, whether the comprehension of traffic signs is dependent on the number of years with a driving license. The study is carried out as a test, where 185 subjects have been shown slides of 24 traffic signs and 2 forms of road markings, and at the same time have filled in a questionnaire regarding their meaning of those signs and markings.
Abstract