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Abstract

This study examines the rated effectiveness of four designs of a ‘no turn on red’ traffic sign. Three existing designs were taken from the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD). A fourth alternative design based on components of the other three signs was created for this study. Participants rated the signs on three characteristics: the likelihood that they would (a) notice, (b) understand, and (c) comply with the sign. They were also asked to rank the signs in order of overall effectiveness and answer several sign-related open-ended questions. The text-only sign was rated lowest on all three characteristics and was most often ranked as the least effective sign. The alternative design with the most elaborate symbol and complete set of words was rated significantly higher than the other three signs on all three characteristics and also ranked as most effective. Potential directions for future research are discussed and signage recommendations are made.

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Perceived Effectiveness of ‘ No Turn on Red ’ Traffic Signs

Abstract

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