Road Sign Detection Distance and Reading Distance at an Uncontrolled Intersection

Priambodo, Mohamad Ihsan; Siregar, Martha Leni · 2018 · OpenAlex-citations

DOI: 10.1051/e3sconf/20186509004

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Summary

This study evaluates the visibility of traffic signs at uncontrolled intersections, specifically focusing on detection and reading distances to ensure drivers can process information before maneuvering. The research was motivated by the high incidence of accidents on low-volume urban roads lacking traffic lights and the absence of specific minimum detection and reading distance standards in Indonesian traffic regulations. To address this gap, the authors assessed sign compliance against international benchmarks, including the UK Traffic Signs Manual (TSM) and the US Manual on Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD). The methodology involved a controlled night-time driving experiment on an urban road in Jakarta. Thirty-five licensed participants drove a vehicle equipped with GPS tracking and a dashboard camera while an experimenter recorded data. Participants were instructed to verbally report when they could detect and read six specific advance guide signs. Data collected included vehicle speed, travel time, sign vertical offset, and letter height. The study utilized multivariate regression analysis to determine the statistical relationships between these variables and the resulting detection and reading distances. The results indicated significant variability in sign visibility. Sign 6 exhibited the longest average detection distance (104.86 meters), while Sign 1 had the longest average reading distance (54.86 meters). Comparisons with international standards revealed that only one sign fully met all criteria; two signs were sub-standard according to MUTCD guidelines, and three failed to meet both TSM and MUTCD requirements. This non-compliance was attributed to poor road geometry limiting sight distances and partial obstructions. Multivariate regression analysis identified vehicle travel time, vehicle speed, and sign vertical offset as significant positive predictors for both detection and reading distances. Notably, sign letter height significantly influenced reading distance but showed no significant relationship with detection distance. An unexpected inverse relationship was observed between letter height and reading distance, potentially due to retro-reflective material performance issues at night. The study concludes that current sign placements in the study area are largely inadequate for safe night-time driving, with most signs failing to provide sufficient detection and reading distances according to international standards. The findings highlight that sign vertical offset is the most critical factor for visibility, followed by vehicle speed and travel time. The research underscores the need for stricter regulatory guidelines regarding sign positioning and sight distance provision in Indonesian traffic engineering practices to enhance road safety.

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Topics

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• sign visibility legibility
• signage environment
• visibility analysis litigation