This paper presents research on the perception of road signs by drivers. A questionnaire study was carried out to determine how drivers perceived traffic signs: most were satisfied with visibility and legibility but not with lighting. Non-professional drivers needed more road sign information. Drivers preferred a round shape of sign. Laboratory experiments showed traffic signs to subjects to determine correct recognition at two distances: faster recognition was achieved at the shorter distance. A second experiment investigated understanding of new signs: comprehension was not good in most cases. Field studies were carried out to find whether similar signs were correctly identified: this was more likely if they were presented separately; and to investigate the effect of speed limit signs on drivers' estimation of their speed: drivers who did not recall seeing the signs underestimated their speed. Generally, the author concludes that drivers overestimate their perception of road signs. For the covering abstract see ITRD E113725 (C 22328 CD-ROM).
Samenvatting