From the simple "Stop!" sign, through speed-cameras to the latest poster campaigns, are drivers now so bombarded with information that they are now unable to concentrate on safety?
2007-02-08 23:26:41 · 18 answers · asked by musonic 4 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Safety
Can't remember the name but I watched a programme on tv a few years ago that proved that too many signs on the road affected driver concentration and could have been the cause of many crashes.
They tested hundreds of drivers on different roads with varying amounts of signs on them and found that drivers actually slowed down on roads with less signs or road markings because they were concentrating more on the driving.
They reasoned that because driving almost becomes automatic (you brake, change gear etc instinctively), signs are a help and a hindrance - too many and your automatic functions reduce because you have a lot to distract you, too little and that sense of security has gone: in a way you are looking for a sign to know what to do, hence you drive slower.
All of the drivers tested, admitted that when faced with lots of signs and markings, it was easier to ignore them all than try to acknowledge them, feeling that "gut instinct" would favour them rather than risk losing control of the car trying to read everything.
In short, when faced with numerous signs, it was easier to put the foot down and fly right through.
The drivers also said they felt slightly uneasy when on a road with no signs or markings at all, causing them to slow down and be fully alert to the driving itself, in case of anything unexpected.
They concluded that roads with simple markings (painted lines: one on each side, one in the middle), a speed sign at least every mile, vital signs for sharp corners and hazards, and the simplest of signs at roundabouts and junctions were most favoured by the drivers.
2007-02-09 00:14:32 · answer #1 · answered by This is my username 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
If you know where you are and where you are going then they shouldn't be a problem. I ignore most of them or slow down where I need to without a reminder from the signs. In unfamiliar surroundings I find too many signs cause problems. Especially in heavy traffic and built up areas! I think it is a problem that needs addressing. I think roadsign advertising should be banned, and in an area with speed cameras one sign on entering the area should be enough of a warning.
2007-02-09 01:52:22 · answer #2 · answered by willowGSD 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would have to agree with you. There is way too much clutter on the streets for us to have to read or at least look at while driving. From new street signs to posters and other brightly coloured signs that may or may not distract us while driving. It also seems that while you are looking for the right street sign to find out where you are going there is always that one impatient driver that is always in a hurry to get somewhere. I personally leave for where I am going 10 - 15 minutes before I should leave to help with this get out of my way driving we all seem to have to do at one point or another.
2007-02-08 23:39:33 · answer #3 · answered by c0mplicated_s0ul 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
A very good question,which i would say would ,or should ,be open to debate,you have a point,we need roadsigns to obey ,take caution,and to be aware of our routes ,but are there too many unnecessary signs or are alot of them placed in poor visibility,or obscured,causing panic and anxiety whilst at speed.it's a matter that safety for roads campaigners should consider.
2007-02-09 09:42:16 · answer #4 · answered by billybus 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes. Were I live there is one intersection that has almost fifty traffic signs in less than a eigth of a mile. There are two of each signs. I always thought that someone in our state government owned a sign painting company or was getting a reimburisment.
2007-02-09 00:26:12 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes, it also means that there are more road side obstacles to crash into once you have lost control of your car because you were too busy reading how many casualties there were on that stretch of road in the past 50 years.
2007-02-08 23:30:21 · answer #6 · answered by theearlof87 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would probably wonder since when were department of transport workers clever enough to learn a foreign language. Alternatively I might imagine that I had entered hyperspace and ended up in Italy. No - the first one.
2016-05-24 00:36:36 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, either too much, or poorly laid-out and distracting.
Need a sign and road clutter 'police' to improve safety.
Either that, or there's nothing helping you get where you need to go to.
2007-02-09 01:09:57 · answer #8 · answered by Rob E 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'd say yes. Especially when you're looking for someplace in an unfamiliar area. All those signs, billboards, and flashing lights can really interfere with what you're looking for. Plus they're ugly and annoying.
2007-02-08 23:32:24 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Looking for something to place the blame on after a crash?
Forget it! Signs are necessary, even though most people ignore most of them.
I could do without commercial advertising though. Lots of cities are now forbidding businesses from erecting large signs that can be seen from the freeways, thanks very much.
2007-02-08 23:49:17 · answer #10 · answered by Trump 2020 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋