Motorist Comprehension of Traffic Control Devices - Statewide Survey Results - Interim report

Aug 23, 2026

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A three-year study of motorists’ understanding of traffic control devices is currently underway, using a statistically valid Texas-wide survey to assess comprehension of signs, signals, and markings. Devices found to be inadequately understood will be examined for possible improvements through revisions to standards or targeted public education. This interim report delivers survey results and supporting research on selected traffic control devices, with deeper findings and specific recommendations reserved for the final report.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages134

Reading Time5 h 38 min

AccessFree to download

Abstract

Implementation Statement

Disclaimer

Modern Metric Conversion Factors

Approximate conversions to SI units

Approximate conversions from SI units

Motorist Comprehension of Traffic Control Devices: Statewide Survey Results

Study No. 2-18-91-1261-2

TECHNICAL REPORT STANDARD TITLE PAGE | 1.Report No,
FHWA/TX-91/1261-2 | 2.Govemment Aooesion No. | | 3.Recipien's Catalog No. | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 4.Tite and Subitle
Motorist Comprehension of Traffic Control Devices:
Statewide Survey Results | | | 5.Report Date
February 1993 | | | | | | 6.Performing Organization Code | | | 7.Aubor(s)
Katie N.Womack,H.Gene Hawkins Jr.,and John M.Mounce | | | 8.Performing Organization Report No.
Research Report 1261-2 | | | 9.Periorming Organization Name and Address
Texas Transportation Institute
Texas A&M University System
College Station,Texas 77843-3135 | | | 10.Work Unit No. | | | | | | 11.Coutract or rant No.
Study No.2-18-91-1261 | | | 12.Spousoring Ageney Name and Address
Texas Department of Transportation
Department Contact:
Transportation Planning Division
P.O.Box 5051
Lewis Rhodes,P.E.
Austin,Texas 78763
(512)416-3330 | | | 13.Type of Report and Period Covered
Interim:June 1991 to
June 1992 | | | | | | 14.Spoosoring Ageney Code | | | 15.Supplemenlary Notes
Research performed in cooperation with DOT,FHWA.
Research Study Title:Assessment and Improvement of Motorist Understanding of Traffic Control Devices | | | | | | 16.Abstract
A three-year study of motorist understanding of traffic control devices is currently in progress.The
objective of the study is to conduct a detailed assessment of motorist comprehension of signs,signals,and
markings utilizing a statistically valid survey of Texas motorists.Those traffic control devices determined
to be less than adequately understood will be evaluated for possible improvement through revision to
standards or public education.
This interim report presents survey results and research directed to evaluation of motorist
comprehension of selected traffic control devices.In-depth study findings and recommendations for
improvement in understanding and response by motorists to specific traffic control devices will be addressed
in the final report,to be published at the conclusion of the study. | | | | | | 17.Key Words
Traffic Control Devices,Motorist
Comprehension | | 8.Distribution Statement
No restrictions.
This document is available to the public through the:
National Technical Information Service
5285 Port Royal Road
Springfield,Virginia 22161 | | | | 19.Security Classif.(of this report)
Unclassified | 20.Security Classif.(of this page)
Unclassified | | 21.No.of Pages
141 | 22.Price | | Sl*(MODERN METRIC)CONVERSION FACTORS | | | --- | --- | | APPROXIMATE CONVERSIONS TO SI UNITS | APPROXIMATE CONVERSIONS FROM SI UNITS | | To Find
Symbol
When You Know
Muftlply By
Symbol | Symbol
When You Know
Multlply By
To Flnd Symbol | | LENGTH
Inches
25.4
in
mlimetres
mm
t
0.305
feet
m
metes
0.914
metres
yd
m
yards
km
mi
kilometres
1.61
mies
AREA
Bquare Inches
In
645.2
mHmetes squared mm²
秘
m²
square feet
0.093
metres Bquared
m²
Bquare yards
0.838
metres squared
0.405
ha
hectares
acres
km²
square mles
klometres squared
2.59
VOLUME
fi oz
mL
29.57
mHtres
fluld ounceB
3.785
gal
批e6
gallons
mekres cubed
cublc feet
0.028
m²
metres cubed
0.765
yd
cublc yards
NOTE:Volumes greater than 1000L shal be shown inm³.
MASS
0Z
28.35
grams
ounces
kg
0.454
pounds
kilograme
bT
Mg
short tons(2000 b)
megegram
0.907
TEMPERATURE(exact)
F
℃
Fahrenhet
5(F

FAQs

What is the main objective of the study on motorists’ understanding?

To conduct a detailed assessment of motorists’ comprehension of signs, signals, and markings using a statistically valid survey of Texas motorists.

How will traffic control devices judged as poorly understood be addressed?

They will be evaluated for possible improvement through revisions to standards or via public education.

What does this document specifically provide as an interim report?

It presents survey results and research focused on evaluating motorists’ comprehension of selected traffic control devices, while deeper findings and recommendations are reserved for the final report.

Aug 23, 2026

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