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Human Factors Guidelines for Road Systems - Collection C: Chapters 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 22 (Tutorials 4, 5, 6), 23 (Updated), 24, 25, 26 (Updated) (2010) / Chapter Skim
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Composing a Message to Maximize Comprehension
Pages 43-44

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From page 43...
... The following guidelines can be used to increase driver comprehension of signs. Design Guidelines Message Guidelines Property Abbreviations Avoid using abbreviations whenever possible.
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From page 44...
... The MUTCD (4) states that on portable message signs, "if the message can be displayed in one phase, the top line should present the problem, the center line should present the location or distance ahead, and the bottom line should present the recommended driver action." This recommendation loosely maps to the recommended order of message elements by Dudek, included on the previous page (1)
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Key Terms

  • changeable message
  • transportation research
  • message length
  • variable message
  • research record

  • driver comprehension
  • message elements
  • empirical data
  • truncated abbreviations
  • location information

  • specific diversion
  • expert judgment
  • affect driver
  • abbreviations proved
  • portable message

  • effective variable
  • display television
  • requiring driver
  • previous page
  • sign operation

  • converting calendar
  • message context
  • subsequent trials
  • generic task
  • literacy test

  • top line
  • center line
  • slower reading
  • test required
  • text degradation


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