Comprehension Analysis of Traffic Signs by Drivers on Urban Roads in Ilorin, Kwara State

Abstract

Traffic signs are the oldest and most commonly used Traffic Control Device (TCD). These signs convey messages in words or symbols and erected to regulate, warn, or guide the road users (motorists, and pedestrians). This study investigated the level of compliance of traffic control devices among drivers with different sociodemographic characteristics in Ilorin. A descriptive research design of survey type was used in the conduct of the study. The population for this study covers commercial and private drivers in Ilorin. The research instrument used for the study is a well-structured questionnaire. The data gathered were analysed using frequency counts and percentage for the demographic data, and factors that affect the non-understanding of drivers to traffic control devices. Statistical analysis was done with SPSS. For chi- square, only the years of driving experience was found statistically significant with a p-value of 0.006 and for Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) both educational experience and years of driving experience were found to be statistically significant with p-value of 0.001 and 0.000. It was deduced that major factors affecting the non-understanding of traffic control devices by drivers in Ilorin were lack of previous knowledge of the signs, lack of adequate enforcement and non-availability of control devices on most roads in Ilorin.