How effective is training for improving traffic sign comprehension? Examining the interaction between training and sign type among motorcyclists

Previous research has demonstrated that training is an effective intervention to increase traffic sign comprehension among road users. However, the effectiveness of training may interact with the characteristics of the sign, and the evidence is still limited. The present study aimed to examine the effects of training and sign type on sign comprehension among motorcyclists. An experiment with 2 (Training: training vs control) x 3 (Sign Type: warning signs vs command signs vs regulatory signs) x 2 (Time: pre-test vs post-test) mixed design was conducted on seventy-nine motorcyclists aged 18 to 27 years old in the greater area of Jakarta. Participants were randomly divided into two groups (training and control), and the experiment was conducted individually using a computer. Sign comprehension level was then measured. Analysis of pre-test and post-test scores revealed that comprehension was lowest for warning signs across groups. A mixed factorial ANOVA showed a significant interaction effect between training and sign type on sign comprehension before and after training, with the group that received training showing the largest improvement in comprehending warning signs. This study implies that training is effective for improving sign comprehension, especially for warning signs, among motorcyclists. Development of training programs should thus take into account the differences among sign types to ensure their effectiveness.