Representativity and univocity of traffic signs and their effect on trajectory movement in a driving-simulation task: Regulatory signs

Abstract

Introduction: The effect of traffic signs in the motor behavior of drivers is not completely understood. Knowing how humans process the meaning of signs (not just by learning, but instinctively) will improve reaction time and decision making when traveling. The economic, social, and psychological consequences of car accidents are well studied. Every effort to find the solution of this social problem is encouraged.

Method: This study identifies which traffic signs are more ergonomic for participants, from a cognitive point of view, and determines, at the same time, their effect in participants' movement trajectory in a driving-simulation task: the tracking task.

Results: The results point out that the signs least representative of their meaning produce a quantitative and qualitative different deviation from the center of the road than the most representative ones.

Keywords: Attention; Cognitive ergonomics; Driving; MDRA model; Traffic signs.