Motorist Understanding of Traffic Control Devices: Study Results and Recommendations (1261-4)

This report describes a study in which driver understanding of 52 traffic control devices was evaluated through five different evaluation procedures. The traffic control devices evaluated in the study include 13 regulatory signs, 18 warning signs, 10 other types of signs, 7 pavement markings, and 5 signal indications. The five procedures described in the report include a statewide survey of 1,745 drivers, two different surveys administered at auto shows to a total of 608 drivers, a Spanish-language survey of 31 drivers, and 3 focus groups of 10 drivers each. The statewide, 1992 Auto Show, and Spanish-language surveys used a multiple-choice format, while the 1993 Auto Show and focus groups utilized an open-ended response format. In all, 2,414 drivers participated in the evaluations. The report also describes the findings, recommendations, and implementation efforts associated with each of the 52 traffic control devices. Recommendations include changes to the Texas MUTCD, changes in TxDOT practices, revisions of the Texas Drivers Handbook, changes in the driver education/driver safety course curriculums, a public information campaign, and the conduct of additional research.