D 2.3 “Proposal on unified pictograms, keywords, bilingual verbal messages and typefaces for VMS in the TERN” is based on a concept, submitted 2003 by the International Institute for Information Design (IIID) to the European Commission in a proposal “SOMS / Substituting/Optimizing (variable) Message Signs for the Trans-European Road Network”, before it got merged with “IN-SAFETY / Infrastructure and Safety”. At that time the TERN (Trans-European Road Network) covered 15 countries with 11 languages spoken plus 3 additional states which are not EU members. These countries and languages, together with 10 “new member states” with 9 official languages, were considered with the aim to derive at feasible suggestions of the cross-language and language independent display of information on VMS (Variable Message Signs) and static message boards on motorways. Considering the rapid development of traffic on European motorways, there is an undeniable need for improved and harmonized signalisation of traffic related messages in general, and danger warning information in particular throughout the TERN. Drivers cover ever wider distances – crossing several borders on one trip – require language independent, clearly understandable messages. Messages, which must allow for early recognition and comprehension, giving drivers the extra time to adjust their driving behaviour in critical situations, thus avoiding collisions and injuries. After ingoing considerations concerning the physiological (1.1), cognitive (1.2) and technical requirements (1.3) on information to be displayed on VMS, the Deliverable summarizes the achieved results with regard to pictograms for static and variable message signs (2.1), “Keywords” (2.2), typeface (2.3), and VMS content structure (2.4). The report closes with a chapter on suggested further research (3) and policy recommendations (4). Special attention is given to the fundamentals laid down in the Vienna Convention, requirements defined by CEDR - Conference of European Directors of Roads and other bodies (5), the notion of “visual acuity” (1.1), and the demands on drivers with regard to information load, display size and speed (1.1.5). (Author/publisher).
Samenvatting