Citation

Gordon DA. Highw. Res. Rec. 1972; 414: 30-41.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1972, National Research Council (U.S.A.), Highway Research Board)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

A laboratory evaluation was made of diagrammatic signs for a freeway cloverleaf intersection, a lane drop, a multiple-split ramp, a left ramp downstream from a right ramp, two right ramps in quick succession, and a major fork. The evaluation included a comparison of diagrammatic and conventional signs, based on the speed and accuracy of the subjects' lane selections. Conventional signs were found slightly more effective overall than the experimental diagrammatic signs. They produced fewer lane-placement errors and errors on exit lanes, and they were more quickly responded to than diagrammatic signs. The conventional signs were also preferred by the subjects. In none of the 6 types of interchanges tested did diagrammatic signs provide better performance than conventional signs. Of the diagrammatic signs tested, the one showing a large exit arrow gave the best performance. Consideration might be given to increasing the size of the conventional exit arrow. The major fork symbol also showed up fairly well. The results of this study apply only to the sign designs tested. Other diagrammatic signs on other types of road may possibly be more successful.

Language: en

Keywords

ROADS AND STREETS - Intersections; HIGHWAY SIGNS, SIGNALS AND MARKINGS; GRAPHIC METHODS