DO ROAD SIGNS AFFECT ACCIDENTS

This paper describes an experiment conducted at Iowa State College to test the hypothesis that an optimal level of visual stimulation while driving would have a beneficial effect on driver efficiency. The aim was to determine to what extent road and highway signs affect the incidence of traffic accidents. Advertising signs were placed at various angles from 0-45 deg. to each side of the road, and subjects were run on a test appartus to determine what statistically significant difference, if any, existed between efficient observation of a landscape covered with signs vs. one with no signs at all. Briefly summarized, the lab results showed that numerous signs in a driver's field of vision did not influence efficiency at the wheel adversely, and actually were slightly beneficial. Results from a similar study conducted by the Michigan State Highway Department, in cooperation with the U.S. Bureau of Public Roads are also provided and discussed.