LEVEL OF AWARENESS OF THE CRIMINOLOGY STUDENT MOTORISTS ALONG

THE DIMENSIONS OF TRAFFIC SIGNS AND SIGNAGE

Chapter I

Introduction

Rationale

Traffic signs are an essential component of the road system, and their primary duty is to provide

information to road users in order to support the efficient and safe flow of products and vehicles.

All drivers must be well-versed in traffic signs, signage, and pavement markings. Even in the

absence of an officer, every driver must be able to recognize and obey them without hesitation.

According to Statistics and research conducted by University of the Philippines-Diliman (2010),

pedestrian cases are the most vulnerable but the most rapid occurrence on the roads. Accidents

are inevitable. The fault is either on the citizen or the lack of action and precautionary measures

from the local government.

EDSA and Commonwealth Avenue are two well-known thoroughfares that are not only well-

traveled by millions of people but also have a lengthy history of accidents.

The brand traded to Commonwealth Avenue being the killer highway and EDSA has been dealt

thoroughly by the Local Government especially the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority

(MMDA). However, the actions seem to be ineffective since these roads continue to steal the

lives of the passers both the motorists and the pedestrians.

To be designated as the "Killer Highway," a variety of causes and circumstances must be

considered. Except for the over speeding on the Avenue, Jaywalking is the pinnacle of the roots.

Ironically, warning signs for anti-jaywalking and other road problems are quickly put on these

roadways. There are warning signs everywhere, but only a few people read and follow the

material.

Signs and signals are put on our roadways to inform, warn, and govern motorists and pedestrians.

They must be obeyed at all times while offenders are captured. Warning and road signs shall be

constructed in accordance with the general criteria for sign position as specified in Sections 2A-

21 to 29, because the road signs are largely for the benefit of vehicular motorists, commuters,

and pedestrians who are unfamiliar with the route. Road signs should provide readers enough

time to notice, identify, decide, and execute any necessary maneuver.

A growing use of symbols in place of word communications is a desirable and crucial step

toward increased transportation safety and convenience. Changing from messages to symbols

can sometimes take a long period due to public education and transition.

Signs is an important aspect in traffic advisory and warning signals because it provides adequate

information and orders to motorists, passengers, and pedestrians to follow local memorandums

and ordinances regulating road signage. This study aimed to determine the level of awareness of

the student motorists of criminology along the dimensions of traffic sign and signage.
The transportation system is one of the essential components of an urban settlement's

socioeconomic and physical structure. However, a well-planned transport network not only gives

people mobility opportunities but also affects a city's growth trend and level of economic

activity. In addition, traffic signals are one of the essential facts for drivers and pedestrians.

Moreover, drivers and pedestrians need to understand traffic signs to avoid an accident on the

road. Therefore, traffic control devices (TCDs) – signals and markings are crucial for the

transportation system. Roadway TCDs include traffic signs, pavement markings, and traffic

lights. Traffic signs are the most common and have been around the oldest of the three kinds of

TCDs presently in use. Understanding the traffic signal is essential for the enforcement of traffic

regulations for citizens and necessary for their road safety. Therefore, traffic signals are

commonly used as the oldest and most widely used instruments for traffic control. Besides, road

markings are used for driver's and pedestrian traffic guidance. Road markings provide advice and

information to the driver about the roadway.

Traffic signs not only guide road users but also convey messages to them. However, the traffic

signs can be ineffective if drivers or pedestrians do not understand the encoded messages from

the traffic signs. Furthermore, the American National Standard Institute (ANSI Z535.3-2011)

and the International Standardization Organization (ISO 3864-1:2011) recommend that symbols

must meet a level of at least 85% or 67%, respectively, in a comprehension test to be satisfactory

(Razzak and Hasan, 2010). In transportation engineering, traffic signs are one of the most

important research topics for researchers. Actually, this research topic is directly connected with

the engineering sector (especially transportation engineering), traffic safety (both for drivers and
pedestrians), and not only knowledge about traffic signs are important in reducing congestion but

also in decreasing the accident rate on the road. There is one public impression of the citizens

that drivers and pedestrians do not have proper knowledge of traffic signs and marking.

However, the lack of understanding of traffic signs could be a significant reason behind fatal

road accidents.

Road accidents do not only harm property and cars but also cause damage, fatal injuries, and

cause unbearable pain and misery to the victim's family members. The main objective of this

research work is to determine the percentage of understanding of traffic signs in Dhaka capital of

Bangladesh, both for drivers and pedestrians. Particularly for this reason, a survey will be

conducted among drivers and pedestrians in Dhaka. Moreover, the study area and content of the

survey form were analyzed in this research paper to obtain the primary research goal.
Statement of the Problem

This study aims to determine the level of awareness of the criminology student motorists along

the dimensions of traffic sign and signage. Specifically, it aimed to answer the following

questions:

1. What is the profile of the respondents in terms of:

a. Age

b. Sex

c. Driving eligibility

d. Driving experience

2. What is the level of awareness of the respondents along the dimensions of the traffic sign and

signage?

3. Is there a significant difference in the level of awareness of the student motorists of

criminology along the dimensions of traffic signs and signage when grouped according to their

profile?

Research Hypothesis

There is no significant difference in the level of awareness of student motorists of criminology

along the dimensions of traffic signs and signage on the varied driving eligibility and driving

experience.
Scope and Delimitation

This study aims to determine the different profile of the respondents. Profiles can be age, sex,

driving eligibility and driving experience. Also, aims to determine the level of awareness of the

respondents along the dimensions of traffic signs and signage. And finally, this study would like

to determine if there is significant difference in the level of awareness of the student motorists of

criminology along the dimensions of traffic signs and signage when grouped according to their

profile.

Significance of the study

The study’s findings will be significant addition to Land Transportation office (LTO) and

Philippine National Police (PNP) since they will serve as one of the data for them to develop

traffic management programs or initiatives. Furthermore, the study’s findings will be useful to

the Local Government Unit (LGU) specifically the municipal council, as a ready reference in

order to enact municipal ordinances concerning traffic signs and rules and regulations. The

findings of the study will also benefit the community because they will feel more secure or safe

when using public roads. Furthermore, the study’s findings benefit motorcycle drivers or

motorists because they will be more aware and discipline when operating the vehicles.

Furthermore, the researchers will benefit from the study’s findings because of the better

awareness of traffic signs and signage. Finally, the study’s findings could serve as a springboard

for future researchers in this field.

 Chapter II

Review of Related Literature

This chapter presents related literature and studies, both local and foreign, that

deals with the problem encountered by basic education teachers in local teaching during the New

Normal. The information and relevant facts included in this chapter were gathered by the

researchers to further support the study.

Review of Related Literature

Road Safety Education

Injuries from car accidents are a public health crisis. In poor nations, injuries and fatalities

predominate. Unless there is a new commitment to prevention, projections for the following few

decades are bleak.

This study looked at how intercity commercial minibus drivers in urban Lagos responded to

health education about their knowledge, attitudes, and use of specific road safety indicators. The

study was quasi-experimental in design. It involved a baseline questionnaire survey, an

intervention to educate the intervention group about health and safety, and a follow-up

questionnaire survey three months later. From a list of motor parks in two LGAs, participating

parks for the intervention and control groups were chosen. Additionally, a qualitative survey
(Key Informant Interview, or KII), involving important representatives from the licensing

agencies and driving school instructors, was carried out.

Road Safety Awareness

According to the findings, travelers from various origins showed varying degrees of perception

and understanding of road safety. Additionally, respondents could only partially grasp road

signs; for example, text traffic signals like the yield sign and stop sign appeared to be

challenging to comprehend from the views of tourists. The outcomes of statistical modeling point

to a number of important variables influencing the comprehension of traffic signs. The

respondent's age, whether they have a driver's license, if they have driven abroad, and their

nationality are all significant socioeconomic factors. The important travel characteristic

variables, however, are the length of the journey, its purpose, the means of transportation, and

the frequency of visits. The results would aid highway and traffic authorities in better

comprehending tourist travel habits and help to develop standards for road safety design that

would benefit both domestic and foreign users.

Awareness and Understanding of Traffic Signs

Pressure on the current roadways infrastructure is increasing as car ownership in the United

Kingdom (UK) rises more. In order to guarantee adequate safety levels and maximum utilization

capacity, it is crucial to govern and manage network users. The primary method of

communicating with highway users is through traffic signage, and the enormous amount of

information needed, such as access, parking, and directions, can result in complicated and
crowded messages that must be communicated in a very short amount of time. Numerous

compromises in signs usage and design have resulted from the transmission of these signals.

Responses to Temporary Signage

Since there are more and more highway work zones present on highways for maintenance and

growth, the significance of work zone safety has significantly increased over the years. Due to

the disruption of regular traffic flow, rural work zones on two-lane highways are extremely

dangerous and raise serious safety concerns. This study examined drivers' reactions to warning

signs in two-lane rural highway work zones. The portable changeable message sign (PCMS)

OFF, PCMS ON with the message of Slow Down, Drive Safely, and a temporary traffic sign

(W20-1, "Road Work Ahead") were used in the study to compare the mean change in speed of

the three classes of vehicles (passenger cars, trucks, and semitrailers). Two two-lane work zones

under flagger control were used for field tests. To ascertain whether there was a meaningful

interaction between drivers' responses and the sign arrangements, statistical studies were carried

out. According to the results of the data analysis, a visible PCMS, whether it was on or off, was

the most successful at lowering truck speeds in rural, two-lane work zones. The temporary traffic

sign (W20-1) had a greater impact on lowering semitrailer and passenger car speeds. Traffic

engineers will be able to better design the two-lane work zone layout and implement the essential

safety measures to prevent vehicle collisions according to the findings of this research project.

Road Safety Awareness and Driving Practices

Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate students' knowledge of safe driving practices

and road safety, and to suggest any necessary corrective action. Using a self-administered

questionnaire, a cross-sectional survey of university students was conducted from January 2015

to April 2016. Results: Of the 384 enrolled students, 54% were male and 46% were female, with
ages ranging from 18 to 31 (mean 20.1 years and SD2.3). Give way was the traffic sign that

students knew the least about (24%) while all students were familiar with the "No horn" sign.

The most common risky driving activity was exceeding the posted speed limit (25%) while

driving while intoxicated (3.1%) was the least common. Students reported not using seat-belts or

helmets while operating two- and four-wheeled cars, respectively, by 36 and 23 percent of those

surveyed. The study's findings highlight the importance of raising public awareness about a few

obscure traffic signals, such as the yellow light, the give-way sign, and the no parking sign, as

well as about financial penalties and safe driving habits including the use of seat-belts and

helmets. 2018 is the year for the Indian Journal of Public Health Research and Development.

Toutes droits réservés.

An Investigation into Bilingual (Welsh/English) Traffic Signs

According to A.M. Mackie on his book “Progress in learning the meanings of symbolic Traffic

Signs”, a considerable amount of research into traffic sign design has been carried out over the

last 15-20 years. From this research principles of design have been evolved and in the main these

are equally applicable to bilingual traffic signs as they are to monolingual ones. One of the basic

facts about the sign design is that number of words or names on the sign directly affects the time

taken to read the sign. It is always important therefore that the number of words or names on a

traffic sign should be kept to minimum. Making traffic signs bilingual will of course increase the

number of words on the sign; consequently in considering their provision this is one of the major

problems to be faced. The time taken to read a direction sign depends on the order in which the

individual reads the names on the sign. On some occasions the name required will be the last to

be seen. The size and design of the sign should therefore be such that it allows all drivers
adequate time in which to find the name they want, no matter in what order the names are

scanned.

International Effort toward Uniformity on Road Traffic Signs, Signals, and Markings

According to Jose M. Zuniga in the International Road Federation, in the last three years, a great

effort has been made by the United Nations and the Organization of American States to achieve

uniformity in the field of road signs, signals, and markings. These efforts have culminated in

three major conferences: (a) the Highway and Highway Transport Subcommittee of the United

Nations Economic Commission for Asia and Far East (ECAFE) meeting in Bangkok, Thailand at

which the position of the Asian countries with regard to the news draft the convention on road

signs and signals determined and (b) Tenth Pan American Highway Congress in Montevideo,

Uruguay, which recommended that governments of the countries of the Americans adopt as a

guide to the Inter-American Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices. In view of the

differences among languages, alphabets and meanings of the words and symbols throughout the

world, uniform signs present monumental difficulties. Fully uniform international signs may

never be reached, but significant improvements of present situation seem possible, particularly

elimination of direct conflicts among the several existing systems. The decision must be based

on facts and in the results of objective research, for ethnocentrism and prejudice can only

increase the troubles. The proliferation of both vehicles and drivers continues, and each day’s

delay only makes the problem more difficult.

Chapter III

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

Research Design

The researchers used the descriptive-survey design. The design described the profile of

respondents and determine the difference in level of awareness of the student motorists of

criminology along the dimensions of traffic signs and signage.

Respondents and Sampling Procedure

The criminology students of HG Baquiran college are the respondents of this research. The

researchers had a pre- survey first on the prospective students. After which, the researchers

identified those who are student motorists of criminology.

Instrumentation

Name (Optional)___________________________________________

Date_____________

I. What is the profile of the respondents in terms of;

Age_______ Sex_________

Driving Eligibility:

() Professional License () Non- Professional License

Driving Experience:

() 0-1 year

() 2-3 years

() 4-5 years

() 6-8 years
 () 8-10 years or more

II. Direction: Choose your answer on the given choices and encircle the correct answer.

What is the level of awareness of the respondents in terms of;

Traffic Signs and Signage:

A. Regulatory Signs

1. What does this traffic sign mean?

a. Stop sign

b. Give way sign

c. Left turner must give way

d. No parking: Tow-away zone

2. What does this traffic sign mean?

a. No entry

b. No overtaking zone
 c. Give way sign

d. Stop sign

3. What does this traffic sign mean?

a. Use overpass or use ped xing

b. No u turn

c. No overtaking zone

d. No pedestrian crossing

4.What does this traffic sign mean?

a. Left turner must give way

b. Give way sign

c. Right turner cross at broken lines

d. Use overpass or use ped xing

5. What does this traffic sign mean?

 a. No parking

b. Right turner cross at broken lines

c. No stopping or parking anytime within the yellow box

d. No paring anytime from Monday-Friday

B. Warning Signs

1. What does this traffic sign mean?

a. Sharp turn

b. Curve (Double curve)

c. Reverse turn (Double bend)

d. Winding road

2. What does this traffic sign mean?

a. Roundabout ahead (Rotunda)

b. Approach to intersection

c. T-junction

d. Intersection ahead
3. What does this traffic sign mean?

a. Traffic lights ahead

b. Intersection ahead

c. Stop sign ahead

d. Give way sign ahead

4. What does this traffic sign mean?

a. Uneven road

b. Hump ahead

c. Landslide-prone area

d. Slippery when wet

5. What does this traffic sign mean?

a. Pedestrian crossing ahead

 b. Be aware and stop for children crossing ahead

c. Be aware and stop for persons with disabilities ahead

d. Be aware and slowdown on bike lane ahead

C. Guide / Informative signs

1. What does this traffic sign mean?

a. Intersection direction signs

b. Advance direction signs

c. Reassurance direct signs

d. Finger board and direction signs

2. What does this traffic sign mean?

a. Reassurance direct signs

b. Tourist information and destination signs

c. Route markers

d. Finger board and direction signs

3. What does this traffic sign mean?

 a. Street name signs

b. Intersection direction signs

c. Town names and geographical features signs

d. Service signs

4. What does this traffic sign mean?

a. Town names and geographical features signs

b. Service signs

c. Route markers

d. Advance direction signs

5. What does this traffic sign mean?

a. Intersection direction signs

b. Reassurance direct signs

 c. Town names and geographical features signs

d. Tourist information and destination signs

D. Sign on Expressways

1. What does this traffic sign mean?

a. Expressway approach signs

b. Expressway information signs

c. Advance exit signs

d. Expressway exit direction signs

2. What does this traffic sign mean?

a. Expressway approach signs

b. Expressway information signs

c. Advance exit signs

d. Expressway exit direction signs

3. What does this traffic sign mean?

 a. Expressway approach signs

b. Expressway information signs

c. Advance exit signs

d. Expressway exit direction signs

4. What does this traffic sign mean?

a. Start and end of expressway

b. Advance exit signs

c. Expressway exit direction signs

d. Expressway traffic instruction and regulatory signs

5. What does this traffic sign mean?

a. Start and end of expressway

b. Advance exit signs

c. Expressway exit direction signs

d. Expressway traffic instruction and regulatory signs

E. Traffic instruction signs

1. What does this traffic sign mean?

a. Supplementary sign

b. Movement instruction signs

c. Both a and b

2. What does this traffic sign mean?

a. Supplementary sign

b. Movement instruction signs

c. Both a and b

3. What does this traffic sign mean?

a. Supplementary sign

b. Movement instruction signs

c. Both a and b

4. What does this traffic sign mean?

 a. Supplementary sign

b. Movement instruction signs

c. Both a and b

5. What does this traffic sign mean?

a. Supplementary sign

b. Movement instruction signs

c. Both a and b

F. Marker signs

1. What does this traffic sign mean?

a. One-way hazard markers

b. Obstruction markers

c. Width markers

d. Sign used on a wide column of an overpass structure, median island

2. What does this traffic sign mean?

 a. One-way hazard markers

b. Two-way hazard markers

c. Sign used on a wide column of an overpass structure, median island

d. Obstruction markers

3. What does this traffic sign mean?

e. One-way hazard markers

f. Obstruction markers

g. Width markers

h. Sign used on a wide column of an overpass structure, median island

4. What does this traffic sign mean?

a. One-way hazard markers

b. Obstruction markers

c. Width markers

d. Sign used on a wide column of an overpass structure, median island

5. What does this traffic sign mean?

e. One-way hazard markers

f. Obstruction markers

g. Width markers

h. Sign used on a wide column of an overpass structure, median island

Pavement Markings:

A. LONGTIUNAL LINES

1.What does this sign mean?

a. Center line (Separation line)

b. Lane line

c. Single solid yellow line

d. Broken yellow line

2. What does this sign mean?

 a. Center line (Separation line)

b. Lane line

c. Single solid yellow line

d. Broken yellow line

3. What does this sign mean?

a. Continuity line

b. Lane line

c. Single solid yellow line

d. Broken yellow line

B. Traverse Lines

1. What does this sign mean?

 a. Rumble strips

b. Give way or Holding lines

c. Pedestrian intersection

d. Roundabout holding lines

2. What does this sign mean?

a. Rumble strips

b. Give way or Holding lines

c. Pedestrian intersection

d. Roundabout holding lines

3. What does this sign mean?

a. Rumble strips

b. Give way or Holding lines

c. Pedestrian intersection

d. Roundabout holding lines

C. Other lines
1. What does this sign mean?

a. Do not block intersection

b. Turn line

c. Parking bay

d. Loading and unloading bay lane line

2. What does this sign mean?

a. Do not block intersection

b. Turn line

c. Parking bay

d. Loading and unloading bay lane line

3. What does this sign mean?

a. Do not block intersection

 b. Turn line

c. Parking bay

d. Loading and unloading bay lane line

D. Object markings

1. What does this sign mean?

a. Markings on curbs

b. Objects within the roadway

c. Objects adjacent to the roadway

2. What does this sign mean?

a. Markings on curbs

b. Objects within the roadway

c. Objects adjacent to the roadway

3.What does this sign mean?

a. Markings on curbs

b. Objects within the roadway

c. Objects adjacent to the roadway

E. Raised pavement markings

1.What does this sign mean?

a. Cat’s eyes

b. Dog’s eyes

c. Eagle’s eyes

F. Other markings
1.What does this sign mean?

a. Chevron

b. Rumble strips

c. Railroad crossing ahead

2.What does this sign mean?

a. Chevron

b. Rumble strips

c. Railroad crossing ahead

3. What does this sign mean?

a. Chevron
 b. Rumble strips

c. Railroad crossing ahead

B. Directions: Put a check on the box when you think it is a YES or NO that the descriptions

should attained by the student motorists of criminology.

DESCRIPTION TRUE FALSE

1.When you encounter a DOUBLE SOLID YELLOW LINE WITH

BROKEN WHITE LINE it means you are allowed to pass/overtake?

2.When you encounter a SINGLE SOLID YELLOW LINES it means

you are prohibited to overtake on both directions?

3.When you encounter a BROKEN YELLOW LINE it means you are allowed to
pass/overtake?

4.When you encounter a BROKEN AND SOLID YELLOW LINES it means you are
permitted only to overtake on the side of the broken line but not on side of
solid line?

5.When you encounter a BARRIER LINE DOUBLE SOLID YELLOW LINES it

means you should never cross to pass another vehicle unless permitted?

6.When you are crossing of a SOLID WHITE LINES you are required special
 care and is discouraged.

7. When you encounter a STOP LINES it means you are required to stop
before the white line?

8.When you encounter a NO U TURN sign it means you are not allowed to
make a U-TURN?

9.When you encounter a no parking sign it means you are not allowed to
park?

10.When you encounter LANE LINE it means you are allowed changing of lane
provided that it is safe to do so and will not result to obstruction?

DATA GATHERING TOOLS

The researchers used to two sets of questionnaires for gathering data for the profile of the

respondents. The main tool that was used in gathering data for this researcher made instrument.

Part I includes data information, it describes important information about their age, sex, driving

eligibility and their driving experience of being a motorist.

Part I includes data information, it determines the level of awareness of the student motorists of

criminology along the dimensions of traffic signs and signage.

Statistical Tools
The data gathered will be analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistical tools. The

following statistical tools will be utilized as described:

1. Frequency and percentage distribution will be used to find out the profile of the student

motorists of criminology.

2. The weighted mean will be employed to determine the level of awareness of the student

motorists of criminology along the dimensions of traffic signs and signage.

3. T-test for independent or Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), whatever is appropriate will

be used to determine if significant difference exists between level of awareness of the

student motorists of criminology along the dimensions of traffic signs and signage.

References

Choocharukul, K., & Sriroongvikrai, K. (2017). Road safety awareness and comprehension of

road signs from international tourist’s perspectives: a case study of Thailand. Transportation

research procedia, 25, 4518-4528.

ESPERA JR, D. U. L. C. E. S. I. M. O., FEJER, E. F., LOZADA, C., & MINAY, M. J. M.

(2015). AN ANALYSIS OF SIGNAGE ALONG MAJOR ROADS IN METRO MANILA.