The Influence of Drivers’ Personal Characteristics in Understanding Traffic Sign Symbols in Nnewi Urban, Nigeria

Abstract

Traffic signs are the oldest and most commonly used Traffic Control Device (TCD). The success of these signs depends on their comprehensibility by the drivers. There is a general perception that drivers in Nnewi do not have a satisfactory level of understanding of traffic signs and often, this is thought to be a major cause of road accident occurrences along its expressways. This study is aimed at investigating the role of Nnewi commercial drivers’ personal characteristics in understanding of traffic signs. Survey research method was employed in this study. Both primary and secondary data were used in the study. 200 copies of questionnaire were administered across the 13 major commercial motor parks in the study area. Simple random sampling techniques was used to proportionately select the respondents in each of the motor parks. The research findings showed a poor understanding level of drivers to traffic signs in the study area. The percentage understanding level of these commercial drivers to traffic signs was aggregated to 41%. The result of the study showed that the average percentages of drivers who correctly understood the warning and regulatory/prohibitory signs were 67% and 58%, respectively. The study further revealed that drivers’ personal characteristics has much influence on understanding traffic signs. Again, it was revealed from the study that age, education and years of driving experience played prominent roles in drivers’ understanding of signs, however marital status and gender had no effect

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