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Drivers confused by 'information overload'

Motorists are in danger of crashing because too much information is thrown at them on their journeys, the RAC Foundation warned last week.

Speaking at the Institute of Highways and Transport Driver Information Conference in London, RAC executive director Edmund King told delegates that while clear and concise signs can improve safety and help reduce the number of drivers who get lost each day - that clutters of contradictory signs can lead to confusion and result in collisions.

Mr King argued that 'information overload' can result in motorists missing the most important information.

The RAC Foundation says that more than half of UK motorists admit to not understanding even basic signs in the Highway Code - and over half admit to getting lost during holiday journeys. It also says that in urban areas as many as 15% of drivers are estimated to be lost at any one time.

Yet across the UK, thousands of road signs giving route directions, street names, limits or hazards are confusing or have disappeared, been knocked down, obscured with grime or foliage, or have been damaged.

Mr King suggested that authorities should ensure that road signs are clear and erected in positions that give drivers enough time to react to them.

Mr King also argued that journey pre-planning by motorists, and use of sophisticated navigation/congestion avoidance systems like Smart Nav, can help motorists to avoid the confusion caused by confusing signs.

For the full press release go to: www.racfoundation.org