SIGNING SYMBOLS: HOW WELL DO THEY WORK?

Several criteria for traffic sign symbols were examined in a recent survey to determine the importance, or weighting, which should be assigned in each criterion in the design and evaluation of signs. The sample involved traffic sign experts and practicing traffic engineers from the US, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand. Separate ratings were done for symbols in general and for warning, regulatory, and information symbols. Understandability (the ease with which the symbol can be understood) and conspicuity (the extent to which a sign can be easily detected or seen in a visually complex environment) were rated most important. Learnability (the extent to which the meaning of a symbol can be learned and remembered) was considered least important. Reaction time (how quickly the sign's meaning can be identified), legibility distance (the greatest distance at which the symbol can be read), and glance legibility (the ease with which the symbol can be read when it is seen for only a fraction of a second) were rated equally, but more important than learnability. Future studies may involve having the criteria rated by drivers as well as sign designers and highway engineers.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/oclc/1519687
• Publication Date: 1988-8

Media Info

• Features: Figures;
• Pagination: p. 30-32
• Serial:
  • Better Roads
  • Volume: 58
  • Issue Number: 8
  • Publisher: James Informational Media, Incorporated
  • ISSN: 0006-0208
  • Serial URL: http://www.betterroads.com

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Data collection; Design; Distance; Legibility; Ratings; Reaction time; Strategic planning; Surveys; Symbols; Traffic engineers; Traffic signs; Visibility
• Uncontrolled Terms: Design criteria
• Old TRIS Terms: Traffic sign design
• Subject Areas: Design; Highways; Operations and Traffic Management; Safety and Human Factors; I73: Traffic Control;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00470795
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Aug 31 1988 12:00AM