INVESTIGATION ON TRAFFIC SIGNS TO IMPROVE ROAD SAFETY

The main purpose of this primary study on traffic signs is to investigate efficiency of traffic signs as described in Vienna Convention as a mean to send information and warnings along with order to the drivers, so as to facilitate a safe driving and avoiding traffic accidents. The primary hypothesis of this paper is as follows: (a) some symbols and signs are ambiguous in their meanings and not easily understood; (b) there are symbols which gives a different meaning apart from what they have been designed for; (c) few symbols giver more than one meaning; (d) some of the symbols used in the signs are confusing to drivers; and (e) some signs give an impression to the drivers, that they are allowed to take certain actions, where in fact it is too dangerous to do so. All these points affect the drivers psychology and consequently his driving behavior, which causes an increase in traffic accidents and traffic disturbances. In this study, we have followed a scientific method, based on field research conducted in a number of Asian and European countries noting down and photographing a large number of traffic signs and their usage. We interviewed a great number of drivers and interested people as well. Furthermore, we have prepared about 6000 survey forms that were equally distributed in the following countries: England, France, Iran, Kuwait, Bahrain and Zchec Republic and thereafter analyzed 4000 surveys, as survey reports from England and Zchec Republic has not yet come back. After conducting a simple statistical analysis of the study reports, we have reached a conclusion which proved the correctness of the basic assumptions in the study, like understanding of some traffic signs clarity reached very low rate (1.23% in one case), and that such signs information and messages to drivers are ambiguous and even sometimes sent wrong and violating information. This confirms the necessity to review and reconsider these signs to be able to keep up with the technological, geographical, social and psychological developments of mankind, especially for global understand, which calls for identical and standard signs.

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• Corporate Authors:

  PTRC Education and Research Services Limited

  Glenthorne House, Hammersmith Grove
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• Authors:
  • Al-Yousifi, A E
• Conference:
  • Traffic Safety on Two Continents
  • Location: Malmo, Sweden
  • Date: 1999-9-20 to 1999-9-22
• Publication Date: 2000

Language

• English

Media Info

• Features: Figures; Photos; References; Tables;
• Pagination: p. 71-87
• Serial:
  • Publication of: Swedish National Road and Transport Research Institute
  • Publisher: Swedish National Road and Transport Research Institute (VTI)

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Behavior; Drivers; Statistical analysis; Symbols; Traffic control; Traffic crashes; Traffic safety; Traffic signs; Turning traffic; Warning devices
• Subject Areas: Data and Information Technology; Highways; Operations and Traffic Management; Safety and Human Factors; I81: Accident Statistics;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00797309
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: VTI konferens 13A, part 7
• Files: TRIS, ATRI
• Created Date: Aug 2 2000 12:00AM