Mental representation of traffic signs and their classification: informative signs

Abstract

The effect of traffic signs in the driving behavior is not fully understood yet. The knowledge of humans’ cognitive processing of the meaning of traffic signs will improve response time to those signs and the decision making carried out by drivers. Literature shows that signs–that are not-well designed–produce counterproductive effects on movement. This study sounds out which are precisely the Ecuadorian, informative traffic signs more cognitive ergonomic for participants and classify them by using the criteria of representativity, univocity and numbers of errors provoked by them. Doing so, it can be detected which traffic signs need to be redesigned. The economic, social and psychological consequences of car accidents are enough important to carry out this study, which aims to increase road safety