Measuring the levels of knowing traffic signs of foreigners in Turkey

In recent years, with the increase in the world population, there has been a significant increase in the number of motor vehicles in many countries. Although this situation makes human life easier in many ways, it also causes various problems. Traffic accidents can be considered asthe most important of these problems because they cause material damages and moral losses. The increase in the number of traffic accidents on highways in our country from year to year reveals the necessity of taking various measures to reduce the amount of accidents . Traffic signs are important tools that provide safe and orderly flow of traffic by guiding pedestrians and drivers in traffic. In order to create a regular and fluent traffic flow in Turkey, it is very important to know the meaning of traffic signs and plates correctly also by foreigners because they're getting crowded day by day. , . In order to measure the awareness of the meaning of traffic signs, a two-stage survey was conducted with foreigners in Turkey . Participants' age, gender, nationality, duration of stay in Turkey, etc. take part in this research. 227 participants were asked multiple choice of 30 signs (15 Traffic Regulation Signs, 10 Danger and Warning Signs, 3 Information Signs and 2 Stop and Parking Signs groups) with information showing their characteristics. Recognition rates of some plates were high even in those participant without driver license. On the other hand, some of the signs were grouped as low awareness plates or signs that were left without comment. These signs did't recognize even by the participants with driving license. In addition, the effect of the participants' personal characteristics (age, gender, traffic education, etc.) on the awareness of traffic signs was investigated. As a result, it is thought that training and inspections should be increased in order to create traffic safety awareness among foreigners living in Turkey . These trainings should be supported by simulations and brochures, and informative elements about traffic signs should be included in mass media such as television and newspapers.