Car Insurance
Signs of the times
Wed, 22 Feb 2006
Too many complex signs are putting drivers at risk, according to a motorists' group.
The RAC Foundation has found that motorists are in danger of crashing because of an inability to work out all the information that is thrown at them on their journeys.
Speaking at an Institution of Highways and Transportation conference last week the foundation head Edmund King spoke about how clutters of contradictory signs lead to confusion that can result in collisions.
He argued that sometimes information overload means that motorists can miss the most important information.
Mr King said: "Signage at locations with a history of collisions should be examined to ensure that it is legible and simple to follow.
"While the onus is on drivers to learn signs and re-visit the Highway Code, confusing and poorly maintained signage can contribute to road collisions."
The danger of information overload has been found to affect people's concentration as much as losing a night's sleep.
Ensuring that you have cheap car insurance will also take away a certain amount of the stress of driving leaving you more relaxed to drive safely.
Mr King added: "All road signs should be regularly maintained, cleaned, kept free of foliage and be accurate.
"Examples of confusing signs have included a bilingual traffic sign in Wales which gave pedestrians contradictory instructions in English and in Welsh or the vandalised sign for Skelmsdale Baths - abbreviated to: 'Swim in poo'."
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