Drivers' Comprehension of Traffic Sign Information

Some alternative methods of coding information on traffic signs, including the major “international” systems, are discussed and evaluated in the light of recent Australian research on drivers' understanding of various forms of regulatory traffic signs. Particular attention is paid to the relative advantages and disadvantages of prohibitory and mandatory forms of information. For some regulatory sign messages it appears that none of the existing purely symbolic signs achieves a satisfactory level of driver comprehension, and in such cases “hybrid” signs, combining symbolic and verbal information, are recommended.