Alternative Information Signs: An Evaluation of Driver Comprehension and Visual Attention
PI: David Hurwitz (OSU), david.hurwitz@oregonstate.edu
Co-Investigator: Michael Olsen (OSU)
Dates: 07/01/2013 – 8/31/2015
Final Project Report: PacTrans-29-OSU-Hurwitz
Roadway signs are a key component to promote safe and efficient transportation systems by providing simple messages to road users. One common sign type, the symbol sign, uses a recognized and widely understood symbol to efficiently convey information rather than words, numbers, or other means of communication. The “Information” sign is often used to indicate locations where motorists can obtain information about local roads, tourist attractions, and community services. The symbol currently specified in the Manual of Urban Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) for the Information sign is “INFO” in white text on a blue background (2009). However, the symbol “i” (lower case letter i) is commonly used in many other instances related to the transportation network (e.g., Google Maps) and is also used widely in Europe and other countries for roadway networks. As a result, concerns have been raised that road users, particularly international visitors, may not readily comprehend the current information sign as indicating a place to get information (Katz et. al. 2008).
