The Importance of Ergonomic Principles in Design of the Traffic Signs for Children

Abstract

Children represent a vulnerable population from the standpoint of traffic safety. A modern traffic poses complex and high requirements to all its participants, and among them, particularly to young children. Children have a higher risk of pedestrian injuries. Children experience traffic differently from adults. How do children view the world? What helps them to link with their environment? How do children imagine traffic signs? To address these questions, this study examines how fast the children (between 6 and 10 years of age) react to traffic signs mounted at different heights. The analysis of the results indicated that there were differences in mean reaction time for traffic signs of different heights. Children best perceive a traffic sign when it is mounted at 1.9 m. The research highlights the importance of ergonomic principles in choosing the appropriate height of traffic signs for children.