Do Road Signs Make Driving Less Safe?
Here is an interesting article suggesting that the numerous road signs in the United States make driving more unsafe and cause more injury accidents as they direct the attention of drivers away from the road. Basically, his theory is that the more attention that is paid to traffic signs, police and the speedometer, the less attention is paid to other vehicles and traffic conditions, and it only takes a second of inattention to cause a serious injury accident. The writer cites to a study done by statistician R. J. Smeed who tried to determine what factors caused an increase in serious motor vehicle accidents. According to his study, the number of deaths per year from motor vehicle accidents could be fairly predicted by looking at the number of people and cars and trucks on the roads. Neither the rules and regulations in the area nor the quality of the roads were major factors in predicting fatal accidents, although the significant progress made in the area of safety equipment in motor vehicles has had a significant impact in the number and seriousness of injuries resulting from motor vehicle accidents.
Apparently, in a few towns and neighborhoods in Europe where there is a lot of pedestrian traffic, all street signs and traffic control devices have been removed. According to the article, these areas have seen fewer accidents involving pedestrians. The article does not suggest the same solution for the U.S., but believes that it would be safer to have traffic signs on the road so a driver's attention is not constantly focused off of the road.
The idea that traffic signs actually create more danger on the roads is not one most people are accustomed to hearing. The point is well taken that a driver's attention should be focused on the road and the other vehicles on the road. An adjustment that helps people know when to slow, stop or drive a certain way that keeps their attention on the road is certainly something to consider.
