18.8 Driver Comprehension of Signs

  • Signs must be designed and located so that road users can easily see and interpret their messages. Table 18.4 presents guidelines for to improve the legibility, recognition, and interpretability of three sign formats.
Table 18.4 Guidance for Improving Sign Comprehension
Format Guidelines
Text Only
  • Use:
    • For complex messages
    • To indicate hazards
    • For destination information
    • In areas that require unexpected or unique driver actions (e.g., frequent lane shifts)
    • Graphic / Icon Only
  • Use:
    • For safety and warning information
    • To indicate prohibited actions
    • In visually degraded conditions
    • In areas with higher posted speeds
    • Diagrammatic graphics when road geometry violates driver expectations
  • Minimize symbol complexity by using few details
    • Mixed
  • Add text if a graphic-only layout is unintuitive.
  • Use no more than 3 words of text.
  • Use a clear and simple font for the text.
    • In areas with high concentrations of non-native-English speakers, a potentially good option is to install signs that all users can interpret based on graphics alone.

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    CONTACT:

    Jill Asher

    Research Engineer 

    jill.asher@uky.edu