Comprehension and Training of International Road Signs

Abstract

Interest in cross-cultural traffic signs is in part motivated by the increase of motorists driving in foreign countries. This study investigated comprehension levels of 100 international road signs and the effect of brief sign training with the associated referent (sign meaning) on subsequent comprehension. Using open-ended questions U.S. drivers were tested on their ability to correctly report the meaning and action associated with various international road signs. Later they were exposed to the textual referent in a brief 5 minute training exercise. Following the training exercise, comprehension was retested. For many signs initial comprehension levels were low and critical confusions (serious errors) were high. However, after a brief training session comprehension levels dramatically improved. The results indicate that U.S. drivers may have difficulty understanding traffic signage outside of the U.S. To some extent training of the sign meanings might counteract low comprehension and high critical confusions. More extensive training or redesign may be needed to ensure U.S. drivers understand particularly highly signs.