Mental representation of traffic signs and their classification: warning signs

Abstract

Elsevier Ltd The effect of traffic signs in the motor behavior of drivers is not fully understood yet. Knowing about how humans process the meaning of signs will improve response time to those signs and the decision making carried out when driving. Literature shows that the signs that are not-well designed produce counterproductive effect on movement. This study sounds out which are precisely the warning, Ecuadorian-traffic signs more ergonomic for participants, from a cognitive point of view, and classifies them by using the criteria of representativity, univocity and numbers of errors provoked by them. With this, it can be detected which traffic signs need to be redesigned. The economic, social and psychological consequences of car accidents are well-known. Every single effort orientated to the solution of this social problem is welcome.