Experimental study on visual recognition characteristics of traffic signs on mountainous roads by novice drivers

With the expansion of road networks and transportation infrastructure in the mountainous regions, the potential for traffic risks has increased. To address this issue, an array of traffic signs has been deployed. However, the effectiveness of these signs in conveying information to drivers remains uncertain. To better cater to the diverse array of traffic sign settings on mountain roads, a study was conducted, integrating information theory with psychological experimentation. Novice drivers participated in simulations to measure their reaction time (RT) and accuracy (ACC) in response to varying traffic sign densities (TSID). The study found that when TSID ≤ 13.64 bit/m², drivers exhibited an RT ≤ 1400 ms, indicating manageable workload levels conducive to safe driving tasks on mountainous roads. For scenarios where individual traffic signs displayed ≤ 6 information items and TSID ≤ 15.5 bit/m², ACC was ≥ 80%, ensuring reliable information processing. In cases involving multiple information items on a single traffic sign, it was recommended that the total number not exceed 7 to avoid excessive cognitive load during driving. These findings offer theoretical insights to enhance the design and deployment of traffic signs on mountainous roads, aiming to improve overall road safety.