Visual Perception and Understanding of Variable Message Signs: The Influence of the Drivers’ Age and Message Layout

Variable message signs (VMS) are used to display messages providing up-to-date traffic-relevant information so that drivers can safely adapt their behavior in real time. The reported a VMS should be brief but comprehensive minimize perception latter influenced by the way is displayed. This study investigates how different ways of displaying same influence reading time and process at driving speeds. Specifically, following characteristics investigated: (i) use uppercase lowercase letters; (ii) familiar pictograms; (iii) less pictograms. Furthermore, as typically changes with ageing, belonging three age classes tested. experimentation was performed simulating vehicle passing along straight road upon which placed. Experimentation results analyzed using Kruskal–Wallis test, Friedman rank-sum test Welch one-way ANOVA, showing that: or does not seem significantly affect times; pictograms very habitual road-users counterproductive for process; elderly always have greater difficulty perceiving than young middle-aged drivers. findings this help traffic authorities design most suitable structure its unequivocally immediately conveyed