1

CHAPTER I

INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

Posted road signs are the most commonly used traffic

control devices. Their main function is to provide road

users, especially the drivers, with the important

navigational messages. Many accidents occur because the

driver is suddenly confronted with the unexpected. The

drivers should, therefore, be warned by means of traffic

signs, as much as possible, for any abnormal driving

situations ahead (Pignataro, 1973). These signs convey

messages in terms of words or symbols. Signs are,

therefore, essential where special regulations apply at

specific places or at specific times, where hazards are not

self-evident (Mandani, H. 2008).

Road signs are designed to make sure that every

driver is kept safe. They help to create order on the

roadways and are employed to provide essential information

to drivers. Signs which are taken out of specific places or

not visible as a result of wear and tear can pose

undesirable risks to drivers. The municipalities and states

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are the ones in charge of installing and maintaining these

signs to protect the safety of all drivers (Machuga, 2013).

Reading instruction is one of the most basic skills

taught in primary school. Although many motorists may be

able to recognize road signs, it is not neccesarily true

that they will fully understand the meaning or purpose of

traffic signs they see (Chan et. al, 2010). Traffic signs

are effective only when users clearly understand their

meaning. Understanding is a dominant factor for

effectiveness of a traffic sign. Lack of comprehension or

misunderstanding may reduce the intended benefits of

traffic signs or, even worse, may actually cause a road

sign to become the main reason for an accident (Zhang et.

al., 2012). Therefore this research is being proposed to

reveal the level of understanding of vehicular licensed

drivers in Mambusao, Capiz.

Statement of the Problem

Primarily, this study aimed to examine the

understanding of word-type road signs. Specifically, this

study will pursue to answer the following questions:

1. What is the level of understanding of the respondents

of word-type road signs as an entire group and when

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classified according to sex, age, educational

attainment, type of vehicle use, no. of vehicle use,

no. of years of driving and status of vehicle used?

2. Are there significant differences in the level of

understanding of the respondents of word-type signs as

an entire group and when classified according to

selected variables?

Hypotheses

1. There are no significant differences in the level of

understanding of the respondents of word-type signs as

an entire group and when classified according to sex,

age, educational attainment, type of vehicle use, no.

of vehicle use, no. of years of driving and status of

vehicle use.

Conceptual Framework

In this study, it will be assume that the level of

understanding of vehicular licensed drivers (Dependent

Variable) was related to the respondent’s sex, age,

educational attainment, monthly family income and no. of

years of driving. This relationship is shown in Figure 1.

Independent Variables Dependent Variable

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Driver’s Personal
Characteristics

 Sex
Understanding of
 Age
vehicular licensed
 Educational drivers towards word-
attainment type signs
 Type of vehicle use
 No. of vehicle use
 No. of years of
driving
 Status of vehicle

Figure 1. Conceptual model showing the understanding of

vehicular licensed drivers towards word-type road signs

affected by driver's characteristic.

Significance of the Study

This study is very useful to everyone as reference and

information about the level of understanding of vehicular

licensed drivers towards word-type road signs in Mambusao,

Capiz. This study will also deem beneficial to the

following:

The Local Government

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This study will give the Local Government Unit of

Mambusao, Capiz a valuable data regarding the socio-

demographic information of the licensed drivers in the

municipality. The information from this study could be used

as a source for future studies by the LGU and also by the

National Government. This study also encouraged the Local

Government Unit to conduct further seminars and as an

additional education for licensed drivers.

Drivers/Motorist

The primary entities that will benefit from this study

are the motorist. Every one of us could be a motorist and

this study encourage motorist to re-examine their driving

ethics and become more responsible motorist by obeying road

signs. The result of the study may encourage the licensed

drivers to gain more knowledge not only in the word-type

road signage but also to all the traffic signage and obey

them for their personal safety.

Pedestrians

The second entity the will benefit from this study are

the pedestrians. Being a pedestrian by nature, this study

will encourage us to follow road signs for safety.

Students
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The result of the study will give idea to the students

regarding the reference of the understanding of licensed

drivers towards word-type signage. It will encourage them

to become more aware and be more oriented regarding their

knowledge of signage. They could also use the study as

their reference for their study.

Teachers

This study will provide teacher a valuable source of

information about the level of understanding of licensed

drivers towards word-type road signs in the municipality of

Mambusao, Capiz. The information from this study will give

teachers a reliable data and could be used to encourage

students who may be future drivers, to be a responsible one

and obey traffic rules and road signs.

Scope and Limitations of the Study

The study was conducted to determine the level of

understanding of vehicular licensed drivers towards word-

type road signs during the academic year 2018-2019.

Sex, age, educational attainment, type of vehicle use,

no. of years of driving and status of vehicle will be

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considered as variables which can influence the respondents

understanding towards word-type signs.

Respondents are the vehicular licensed drivers in

Mambusao, Capiz.

Definition of terms

The researchers’ adapted the following terms in the study:

Understanding is defined by Webster’s New World

Dictionary as a mental state of a person who understands.

In this study it will refers to the score of the

respondents in the True or False Questionnaire.

Road Sign refers to signs giving information or

instructions to road users (Oxford Dictionary). In this

study, it refers to the signs in the form of word-type as

the subject for the level of understanding of licensed

vehicular driver in Mambusao, Capiz.

Driver/Motorist as defined by R.A. no. 4136, Land

Transportation and Traffic Code, Art. II, Sec. 3d, are

every and any licensed operator of a motor vehicle. In this

study, it refers to the drivers who are licensed in

Mambusao, Capiz covered by this study.

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Sex is the main division into which living things are

placed based on their reproduction (Fowler, 1990). The

same definition was used in this study. It was classified

into male and female.

Age as defined by Merriam-Webster Dictionary is the

length of an existence extending from the beginning to

any given time. In this study, it will be refers to the

life of existence of the respondents from birth to present

and was categorized based on actual data.

Educational attainment refers to the highest degree

of education an individual had completed (UNESCO, 2016). ).

In this study, the same definition will be used and it will

be categorized into: elementary, secondary, tertiary and

vocational.

CHAPTER II

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

Traffic Signs

Posted traffic signs are the most commonly used devices

for controlling traffic. These signs convey messages in terms

of words and/or symbols, and are placed to regulate, warn

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or guide road users. They are essential when different

regulations apply at specific places and times or where

hazards are not self-evident (Pignataro, 1973).

Traffic signs use symbols with different shapes,

colors and sometimes with the assistance of words and

labels to regulate road traffic. They are the most commonly

used devices for controlling traffic. Accurate

understanding is a dominant factor for the effectiveness of

a traffic sign system. With poor comprehension, memory for

sign meanings and the likelihood of prompting effective

driver reactions will decrease. Some unfamiliar and

ambiguous signs may even give drivers an impression that

they are allowed to take certain actions although in fact

it may be dangerous to do so. Lack of comprehension or

misunderstanding may reduce the intended benefits of

traffic signs or, even worse, may actually cause a traffic

sign to become the main reason for an accident (Zhang T. &

Chan A., 2013).

According to Dewar, the most important factor for a

well-designed sign is the understandability of the sign.

Pline in 1992 pointed out that to be effective, signs

should satisfy the following requirements: fulfill a need,

command attention, convey a clear and simple meaning,

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command respect of the road users and give adequate time

for proper response.

There is no doubt that understandability varies among

different signs. Some signs can be easily understood

without much training while the others are hard to

comprehend. Current research has not clarified the key

design factors that make a sign easy to comprehend. So, the

effects of sign design features on comprehension needs to

be investigated further. Also, very little research

attention has been given to the possible influence of words

on the understandability of signs. Therefore, further

studies focusing on the effect of words on sign

comprehension, whether or not words should be added to

traffic signs, the best number of words used or the

influence of bilingual words is necessary and would be

beneficial (Zhang T. & Chan A., 2013).

From literature, certain studies focused on traffic signs

comprehension for local drivers. For example, Kirmizioglu

and Tuydes-Yaman (2012) conducted a survey of

comprehensibility of 30 typical traffic signs. Based on a

total of 1,478 urban drivers in Turkey, it was found that

many traffic signs were not known well by the drivers. In

particular, only 12 signs were identified correctly by 70%

or more of the participants. In another study in Israel

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(Shinar and Vogelzang, 2013), 48 undergraduate students

were tested with 30 different traffic signs. The

comprehension of traffic signs between symbolic and text

displays was examined. Results indicated that text signs

were better comprehended and the reaction time was improved

for the symbolic signs with added text, especially for less

familiar signs. Several past studies focus on road sign

comprehension for international tourist. Dudek et al.

(1996), for instance, examined guidance information in

terms of sign designs and messages for international

tourists at Orlando International Airport in Florida. A

total of 486 tourists divided into three groups were

analyzed, including those from Great Britain, Continental

Europe, and Latin America. Different responses were

observed for different groups of international tourists.

For example, some abbreviations of International Drive were

understood while others were not. Shinar et al. (2003)

investigated comprehension levels of traffic signs in

Canada, Finland, Israel, and Poland. Based on 1,000

respondents categorized into five groups, i.e. novice

drivers, tourists, older drivers, problem drivers, and

university students, results indicated a significant

difference in comprehension level and such a difference was

found among specific sign messages, different countries,

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and different driver populations. In a similar vein, Al-

Madani, H. and Al-Janahi (2002) utilized 28 posted signs

and tested with participants from Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman,

Qatar and United Arab Emirates. From the findings, only 56%

of the posted signs could be comprehended. The

understanding of traffic signs was found be statistically

related with drivers’ years of education, gender, monthly

income and nationality.

From literature review, it can be observed that while

international tourists have been studied for their road

sign comprehension, none of the studies has been

investigated in Asian countries. Additionally, underlying

factors affecting the comprehension of road signs have not

been thoroughly examined. Thus, this study attempts to fill

these gaps and shed more light into this field of research.

Importance of Traffic Signs

Relationship between Understanding of Word-type Road Signs

and Socio-Demographic Profile of the Respondents

Understanding of Road Signs and Sex

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Many previous studies on gender have shown that males

were generally better than females with regard to traffic

sign comprehension. (Al-Madani et al) found that male

driver comprehension of posted signs was better than that

for females in Arab as well as European and American

countries. In research reported by Hawkins Jr et al., men

were better in correctly identifying one fifth of warning

signs. The causes of such phenomenon may be complex. There

were no explanations given by the authors. It may be due to

the congenital difference in space perception or

intellectual functioning or different cultures and exposure

rates to signs between males and females. For example, in

some Middle Eastern countries females have very much more

restricted lives than males and in some places are not

allowed to drive at all. When education background is

controlled for, the differences between males and females

may become less remarkable. A study has demonstrated that

when European and American male and female drivers with at

least undergraduate degrees were compared, gender had no

statistically significant impact. It was found in a recent

study by Ng and Chan, that for males and females of similar

education levels, there was no significant difference

between them for traffic sign guessability.

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Understanding of Road Signs and Age

It has been generally found that age does not affect

comprehension of traffic signs and even where there is some

impact, there is no consensus concerning the trend of the

impact (Hawkins Jr. et al) found that misunderstanding of

over two thirds of the signs that they tested were not

related to age. No significant differences among three age

groups (18-27 years; 28-37 years; 38-57 years) in

comprehension performance were observed in a survey done by

Ng and Chan. However, the "old" group defined in this study

was much younger than the "old" participants in other

similar research, so in order to have a deeper and better

understanding of the age effect, the performance of more

drivers of advanced age should be analyzed. Some studies

have shown that young drivers have an advantage in

understanding signs.

For example, Dewar found that approximately 39% of US

traffic signs were better understood by young drivers both

before and after modifications to some of the symbols. This

was also true in Saudi Arabia, where Al-Sharea found that

younger drivers possessed much more traffic safety

knowledge than older drivers. Possible reasons for the

better performance of younger drivers include: they may

have passed the driving test relatively recently so they

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should have a fresh memory of the meanings of the signs;

also, young people have generally better information

processing capabilities as well as better vision than old

drivers. Opposing results concerning an age effect have

also been reported. Richards and Heathington conducted a

survey of motorist comprehension of railroad grade crossing

traffic control devices (signs and signals) and found that

both very young drivers (under 19 years) and elderly

drivers (over 54 years) had difficulty in understanding and

recognizing such devices.

Hulbert et al. studied the understanding that over

3000 drivers had of eight traffic signs in the U.S. and

concluded that there were significant differences in

comprehension among different age groups: comprehension

level was 70% on average for young drivers (under 24

years), 79% for middle-aged drivers (between 24 and 50

years old) and 72% for the old group (over 50 years). In

summary, clear differences exist between research results

regarding age-influence on driver understanding

capabilities of traffic signs probably because of the

differences in types of signs used, study methods, samples

definitions and limitations.

Understanding of Road Signs and Educational Attainment

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Several attempts have been made to explore

possible associations between comprehension and educational

level. A recent study by Al-Madani et al. found that

drivers with bachelor’s or higher degree had better

understanding of post signs than those with lower

educational background. A similar conclusion was reached by

Ng and Chan. In an experiment investigating Hong Kong

driver comprehension of local traffic signs, Ng and Chan

found that comprehension scores were higher for those with

university education or above than for those without a

university education or above. This might be reasonably

explained since in general people with high education level

are more likely to have had experiences to encourage them

to be quick learners, use their memories and have better

information processing abilities.

Understanding of Road Signs and Type of Vehicle Use

Understanding of Road Signs and No. of Years of Driving

Some studies have used a definition from Simpson, that

driving experience can be taken as number of years

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licensed. Al-Madani reported that there was a small

increasing trend of sign comprehension with years of

driving and those with at least two decades of experience

performed significantly better than those with at most five

years of experience. However, as there might be a high

correlation between age and experience, the effect of

experience with age constraint involved was further

explored in a follow-up study by Al-Madani et al. They only

explored one age group and the results showed that

experience had no significant influence when drivers were

45 or older. Ng and Chan proposed that actual years of

active driving and hours of driving in the 12 months prior

to the study should be additional measurement for driving

experience, as there were situations where licensed drivers

rarely drove after obtaining a driving license . Using the

three different indicators, they concluded that

comprehension level was not related to the factors of years

of active driving and hours of driving in past 12 months,

but was found to be negatively correlated with years

licensed.

Understanding of Road Signs and Status of Vehicle

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CHAPTER III

METHODOLOGY

Researcher Design

A descriptive research design will be utilize to

measure the level of understanding of the licensed driver

in Mambusao, Capiz towards word-type road signs.

Descriptive research is derived from a broad class of non-

experimental studies with the purpose of describing

characteristics of a phenomenon as it is occurring.

Descriptive research was the most direct and economic

choice to begin to understand how understanding towards

public road signage are managed by the licensed driver.

Locale of the Study

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The study will be conducted at Mambusao, Capiz during

academic year 2018-2019.

Respondents of the Study

Vehicular driver in Mambusao, Capiz who are license

during academic year 2018-2019 will be the respondents of

the study. The lists of the vehicular licensed driver will

be obtained from Land Transportation Office.

Sampling Procedure and Sample Size

To determine the vehicular licensed driver that will

be included in the study, the licensed driver will be

grouped according to the vehicle they drive. This will

result having the drivers of motorcycle, tricycle, and

jeepney.

The vehicular licensed drivers will be determined

through stratified-quota sampling.

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The sample size will be computed using the formula of

Parel et al. (1985) as cited by David (2002):

Nz2 (P (1-P)
n =
Nd2 +z2 (P (1-p)

Where:

N = population

n = sample size

z = the standard normal deviate set at 1.96

corresponding to 95% level of confidence

P = the proportion in the target population

estimated to have a particular
characteristics, 50 percent (.50)

d = degree of accuracy designed set at 0.05

To get the sample size of the respondents from

Mambusao, Capiz, the researchers will used of the

proportional allocation formula by Cochran:

nNi
ni =
N

where: ni = sample size of each course

Ni = population of each course

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n = sample size of the study

N = population of the study

Sampling Technique

Respondents will be selected using the drawing of

lots. All the names of the participants will be written in

a small slip of paper, rolled and placed in separate box

and will be drawn one at a time until the sample size will

be reach.

Research Instrument

The researchers will gather the data through the use

of a questionnaire with two parts. The first part is the

gathering of vehicular licensed driver’s socio-demographic

profile such as sex, age, educational attainment, type of

vehicle use, no. of years of driving and status of vehicle.

Part II of the instrument will determine the level of

understanding of the vehicular licensed drivers towards

word-type road signs. It is composed of 50 items to which

the respondents will indicate if it is true or false.

It will be translated to Filipino to make it

convenient to the respondents. Prior to the used of the

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instruments in gathering the data, it will undergo content

validation by the advisory committee. Their suggestions and

recommendations will be incorporated in the modification of

the instrument. In like manner, the instrument will also be

pilot – tested.

Data Collection

Before gathering the data, the researcher will

identify first the word-type road signs from the office of

Land Transportation. Then the researcher will ask for a

copy of the population of vehicular licensed drivers in

Mambusao, Capiz as their basis of making research

instrument. The researchers will get permission from the

municipal mayor to conduct the study to the specific

vehicular licensed drivers. The researchers will also

administer the true or false questionnaire themselves to

ensure 100% retrieval. Data will be process and analyze.

Data Analysis
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The data gathered will be subjected to descriptive and

inferential statistical analysis using Statistical Package

for Social Sciences (SPSS). The statistical tools that will

includes the following:

Frequency count and percentage

These statistical tools will be used to describe the

respondent’s sex, age, educational attainment, type of

vehicle use, no. of years of driving and status of vehicle.

Mean

This will be utilized to determine the level of

understanding of vehicular licensed driver in Mambusao,

Capiz.

Standard deviation

This test will be used to determine the variation of

level of understanding of word-type road signs among

respondents.

T-test
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This will be used to determine significant differences

in the level of understanding of vehicular licensed driver

when grouped according to sex, age, educational attainment.

Analysis of Variance (ANOVA)

This will be used to determine significant differences

in the level of understanding of vehicular licensed driver

when grouped according to monthly family income and no. of

years of driving.

REFERENCES

Al-Madani, H., & Al-Janahi, A. R. (2002). Assessment of

drivers' comprehension of traffic signs based on their

traffic, personal and social characteristics.

Transportation research part F: Traffic psychology and

behaviour, 5(1), 63-76.

Al-Madani, H. M. N., & Abdul-Ghani, A. (1995).

Characteristics of drivers’ understanding of posted signs.

Proceedings international forum on road research, Bangkok,

Thailand. Sweden: VTI, Swedish National Road and Transport

Research Institute.
 25

Al-Madani, H. M. N. (2000). Influence of drivers’

comprehension of posted signs on their safety related

characteristics. Accident Analysis and Prevention, 32, 575–

581

Jacobs, R. J., Johnston, A. W., & Cole, B. L.

(1975).Visibility of alphabetic and symbolic traffic signs.

Australian Road Research, 5(7), 68-86.

Appendix 1. Instrument of the study.

Understanding of Vehicular Licensed Drivers in Mambusao,

Capiz Towards Word-Type Road Signs

Dear Respondents:

Please answer the following question honestly and

accurately. Whatever gathered data in this questionnaire

will be very helpful for the success of the study and will

be treated with great confidentiality.

PART I. Socio-Demographic Profile

Direction: Please give your answer to the items asked by

filling in or checking the space provided.

Name: (Optional)___________________________________________
Sex: ( ) Male ( ) Female
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Age:
( ) 17 years old and below
( ) 18 years old and above

Educational Attainment:
( ) Elementary
( ) Secondary
( ) Tertiary
( ) Vocational

Monthly Family Income:

( ) P20,001 and Above

( ) P10,001 – P20,000
( ) P10,000 and below

No. of years of driving:

( ) below 5 years
( ) above 5 years
PART II. Instruction: Complete the table indicating whether
the statements are True or False.

NO. TRUE FALSE STATEMENT

1 false
A street sign that allows drivers to travel
where ever side they wanted regardless of
direction.

2
This traffic sign warns you that the road
ahead is not as wide as the road you are
currently traveling on.the road you are
currently traveling on.

3
Slow down. Watch for children
crossing the road.

4
This signs warns you a
speed bump is coming up
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5
Intersection
Another road crosses the road.
Watch carefully for traffic crossing
your path.

6
Yield to pedestrians walking in the
crosswalk. Slow Down.

7
This road sign tells that left turn is
allowed.

8
This sign states that smoking is not
allowed

9
There is a traffic light signal ahead on the road
you are on. Be prepared to stop.

10 Slippery When Wet

The road ahead becomes unusually slippery in wet
weather.
Drive carefully in these conditions.

11
A roundabout intersection is ahead. Slow down
as required by the speed restriction sign and
follow the road rules for roundabouts.

12
This states to bend ahead to the
left.

13

This road sign tells that you must

bend ahead to the right.
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14
Another road enters the road from the
right.

15
It tells to turn left

16
There’s a soft edge along the side
of a road that is unsuitable for
vehicles to drive on.

17
Yield to bicycle riders on any bike
trail which crosses a road.

18
Construction site ahead be careful.

19
Construction site ahead. Men at work.

20
Yield to bicycle riders on any bike
trail which crosses a road.

21
Animals are crossing decrease speed.

22

Arch ahead.
 29

23
The maximum height of the vehicle
must be 4.5m otherwise, vehicles with
exceeding height now allowed.

24
This sign means look both ways,
listen for and yield to trains before
you cross. Be careful.

25
Another road crosses the road. Watch carefully for
traffic crossing your path.

26
There is a school and a bus ahead
increase speed

27
Yield to pedestrians walking in the crosswalk. Slow
Down.

28
This is also a U-turn road sign.

29

Hospital nearby ahead

30
Gasoline station ahead

31
Parking, loading and unloading are
allowed
 30

32
Decrease/reduce your speed.

33
This road sign prohibits U-turns. You can
make a left turn at this intersection, but
making a complete turn to go in the
opposite direction is not allowed.
FacebookTw
34
20 tons is the minimum weight to be
allowed.

35
The highway entry ramp has
a speed advisory of having 20 kph..

36
When you see this sign at roadway
openings,
do not enter this road.

37
Loading and unloading are allowed

38
One lane only

39
This is the way to the resting area

40
Ignore it. Go and accelerate your
car.
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41
Parking is not allowed

42
Push carts are not allowed to
enter

43
Cellular Phones are prohibited

44
SPEED LIMIT SIGNS
Speed limit signs indicate the maximum speed allowed
by law, and do not mean that all parts of the road can
be safely driven at those speeds under all conditions.

45

Right turn is prohibited

46
Left turn is prohibited

47
You are allowed to go either side

48
Vehicles are not allowed.

49
One way only

50
The place is closed
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