Citation

Reiss ML, Robertson HD. Transp. Res. Rec. 1976; 600: 36-39.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1976, Transportation Research Board, National Research Council, National Academy of Sciences USA, Publisher SAGE Publishing)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Field surveys were used to determine student and driver perceptions of traffic control devices. These consisted of two structured surveys--a student survey and a driver survey. Interviews were conducted with approximately 1000 students (kindergarden and third, sixth, and eighth grades) and some 400 passing motorists at school locations in New York, Maryland and Virginia. Driver responses were evaluated based on driver recognition of existing signing and behavioral modifications as evidenced by a change in speed. Covert use of radar hand guns was employed to measure driver performance and to provide a comparison with the driver interview responses. Drivers were not observent of school advance warning and crosswalk signs, and, in general, the only school signs perceived were active signs with flashing lights. These did not necessarily modify driver behavior or reduce speed to the level indicated on the sign. The student surveys are not addresses within this paper. Readers are directed to the study final report for details of the student survey (1). This paper discusses the design of the survey, the administration of the survey to the motorists, and general findings related to driver behavior (speed), signing, and other site specific factors. The major task of the project related to the driver was the assessment of driver perception, attitudes, and behavioral changes when drivers approached and passed through a school zone.