Motorist Comprehension of Traffic Control Devices: Statewide Survey Results

Womack, Katie N.; Hawkins, H. Gene, Jr.; Mounce, John M. · 1993 · ROSA P / Texas Transportation Institute. Texas A&M University

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Summary

This interim report presents findings from a statewide survey assessing motorist comprehension of traffic control devices (TCDs) in Texas. The study was motivated by evidence from previous research indicating that drivers frequently lacked operational knowledge of many commonly used signs, signals, and markings. Factors contributing to this confusion included the increasing complexity of urban driving, an aging driving population, and limited instruction during driver licensing processes. The primary objective was to identify which TCDs were poorly understood to inform future revisions to standards or public education programs. The methodology involved a comprehensive review of prior research to select critical TCDs for evaluation. A survey instrument consisting of 46 questions presented on a 17-minute videotape was administered to a quota sample of 1,745 respondents. The survey was conducted at 12 driver licensing stations across six geographic regions in Texas, ensuring the sample was representative of the driving population regarding age, gender, and ethnicity. The study analyzed comprehension rates for regulatory signs, warning signs, pavement markings, and traffic signals. The results indicated a mean correct response rate of 64 percent across all 46 questions. Comprehension varied significantly by device. The "Reduced Speed Ahead" sign (R2-5a) achieved the highest correct response rate at 93.2 percent, while the "Protected Left on Green" signal sign (R10-9a) had the lowest at 15.5 percent. Other poorly understood devices included the "Grooved Pavement Ahead" sign (29.2 percent) and the "HOV Restriction" sign (45.7 percent). Demographic analysis revealed that higher comprehension levels were associated with younger drivers (ages 25–34), males, Anglo ethnicity, English speakers, and those with higher education levels. Additionally, professional drivers, individuals with greater driving exposure, and those who had completed driver education courses demonstrated superior knowledge of TCDs. The significance of these findings lies in the identification of specific TCDs that require design modification or enhanced public education to improve safety and compliance. The report concludes that while some devices are well-understood, others suffer from significant confusion, particularly among specific demographic groups. These results serve as the basis for the third phase of the study, which will develop in-depth surveys and recommendations for improving motorist understanding and response to the identified problematic devices.

Key finding

The mean correct response rate for motorist comprehension of 46 traffic control devices was 64 percent, with the Reduced Speed Ahead sign achieving 93.2 percent accuracy and the Protected Left on Green signal sign achieving only 15.5 percent accuracy.

Methodology

survey

Sample size: 1745

Provenance

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Summary generated by qwen3.6-27b-prismaquant on 2026-06-10; verification: verified.

Topics

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• signage environment
• rail grade crossings
• signaling behavior
• sign visibility legibility
• perceptual countermeasures