Research Recommendations for Pavement Marking Words and Symbols

Pavement markings are an effective way to convey information alongside the roadway to motorist. Common uses of horizontal signing are lane assignment arrows at intersections and advanced warning for stop-controlled intersections and school speed zones. Research has illustrated the following facts about horizontal signing: - Drivers spend most of their time focusing on the roadway in front of them, and any object or sign that appears in this region is more likely to be observed than a sign that appears in their peripheral vision. - Drivers can miss roadside signs because of visual clutter (billboards, etc.) or other traffic (heavy trucks, etc.). A redundant method of information dissemination increases the likelihood of the message getting to drivers. - Any symbols developed for use on horizontal signs should have large simple components and should be visually unique to the highest possible degree. - When drivers experience driving situations that require a great deal of attention, they focus on the more important tasks of control and guidance and will look more at the road and less at side- or overhead-mounted signing.