The function and importance of traffic control signs in traffic safety

viTHE FUNCTION AND IMPORTANCE OF TRAFFIC SIGNSIN TRAFFIC SAFETY(M.Sc. Thesis)Cumali KARTALGAZİ UNIVERSITYINSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGYFebruary 2007ABSTRACTTraffic is one of the most dangerous areas of the human life which has its owncontinuity and system. There are some rules for joining this activity for drivers,pedestrians, passengers, and vehicles. First one of these rules is obeying thesigns. Signs, that are used for controlling the traffic have organizing, safety,directive, communication and responsibility defining functions. Also these havespecific function that gives different meaning to different signs. Drivers canhave true expectations by means of traffic signs and combining these with theirexperiences they can have convenient replies to potential dangers occurring onthe road.This study constitutes 3 basic sections. First, symbols that are used fordelivering serious messages to people that is independent of different age,religion, language, ethnicity, and geographic conditions. Second, analyzing theTraffic Signs Handbook (TSH).This handbook is the basis of the signs that aimsto establish principles and plans to organize traffic agents, to define theauthorities and responsibilities on the roads and ancillary roads in the city orthat are extramural (except motorways). Third, factors affecting theestablishment of these signs.viiDriver decisions based on each sign must stand on function definition of eachtraffic sign. After emphasizing this point a function analysis form is developed.A sample study is conducted to observe the mistakes on practice in Ankaraprovince by using function analysis form. In this sample study, functionalities ofthe signs were inspected by means of function analysis form and applicationsthat have negative effects on drivers? perceptions caused from many elements(such as manufacturing, mounting etc.) are explained with their reasons.Science Code : 705.1.530Key Words :Traffic signs, traffic safety, accidents, symbol, traffic signs..handbookPage Number : 126Adviser :Assis. Prof. Dr. İhsan BATMAZ