A Simulator Evaluation of Age Effects on Symbol Sign Recognition

Abstract

The use of symbolic road signs is proliferating on the highways, and there is some concern in their effectiveness, particularly by elderly drivers. This paper describes an experimental study of problems encountered by a broad age range of drivers in learning and retaining symbolic information. A driving simulator was used to present 72 symbol signs to subjects during 25 minutes “drives.” Performance measures included the correctness of sign recognition, and the distance from the signs at which recognition took place. The experimental design looked at the effects of age and training on the learning and retention of symbol knowledge. The overall results showed strong age effects, but no influence due to the type of symbol training employed. All age groups learned and retained roughly the same number of symbols, but the older age groups started with less symbol knowledge initially. This result is hypothesized to be a generational effect rather than an age diminished-capability. Data interpretation also indicates that older subjects require longer recognition and response times.