Understanding of Traffic Signs by Drivers on Urban Roads – A Case Study of Ilorin, Kwara State

Abstract

The effectiveness of traffic signs, which are used often to promote safe driving and are designed to convey critical information quickly, is contingent on drivers' ability to understand them. Therefore, researchers in Ilorin set out to determine how well-understood and compliant traffic control devices were among drivers representing a range of demographics. The study was conducted using a descriptive survey research approach. The population for this study covers commercial and private drivers in Ilorin. The three local government areas in Ilorin were selected Ilorin South, East and West. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to select three hundred and eighty-four (384) drivers from the population for the study. The research instrument used for the study is a well-structured questionnaire. Statistics including frequency counts and percentages were used to examine the demographic information, the total proportion of drivers who properly recognized the traffic control device, and the variables that contribute to drivers' inability to comprehend traffic control devices. The average comprehension percentage of warning signs, regulatory signs, information sign, driver’s knowledge of road marking 56.1%, 60.3%, 64.6% and 59% respectively. The study's findings revealed that 60% of drivers in Ilorin generally comprehended traffic control devices.