EVALUATING THE UNDERSTANDING OF SYMBOLIC ROADSIDE INFORMATION SIGNS

A set of uniform roadside information symbolic signs proposed by NAASRA for inclusion in Australian Standard AS1742 was evaluated in a Recognition Test and a later Recall Test. Although the five groups of respondents, who differed widely in driving experience, differed in the proportion of correct answers given, there was a moderate degree of consistency as to how well signs were understood. While the "Youth Hostel" and "Petrol and Repairs" signs gave rise to particular difficulty on the Recognition Test, only the latter was poorly identified on the Recall Test. Between-group differences in per cent correct identification in both tests were apparently related to driving experience, with the group of elderly respondents giving fewest correct answers. Signs differed in the extent to which prior exposure aided correct identification. The sources of the difficulties experienced by the elderly are discussed in terms of expectations about symbolic signing systems and difficulties in translating unfamiliar symbolic material.

Media Info

  • Features: Figures; References; Tables;
  • Pagination: p. 97-102
  • Serial:

Subject/Index Terms

Filing Info

  • Accession Number: 00385592
  • Record Type: Publication
  • Source Agency: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
  • Report/Paper Numbers: HS-035 870
  • Files: HSL, TRIS, ATRI, USDOT
  • Created Date: May 30 1984 12:00AM