Investigating the Age Effects on Subjective Assessments of Traffic Signs

Traffic signs function as an aid for drivers on the road. Hence, it is important to ensure that traffic signs are effective. The study investigates whether verbal or pictorial signs were less likely to be violated and would catch the driver's attention first. Twenty older and twenty younger drivers participated tested eleven verbal signs and eleven of their pictorial versions. Based on the statistical analysis results, pictorial signs were found to be superior to verbal ones. Using card-sorting technique, driver's underlying perception of what make a traffic sign stand out among other signs were also investigated.