What does this sign mean? 1 Why is this important?
Download 327.62 Kb.
|
- Navigate this page:
- Why is this important
- History of Signage
- Innovations in Signage and Roadway Markings
What does this sign mean?
 1
Why is this important? Signs are everywhere—they are on every road across the country and across the world Signs help people navigate across cities, states and the country. Signs tell you where things are—from the closest restaurant or gas station to historical landmarks along your route Signs have evolved over time from simple words or directional arrows to printed metal to new electronic signage systems that can be modified at a moment’s notice to account for changing conditions and situations Signage in the United States is based on a set of standards and protocols set forth by the Federal Highway Administration called the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) Signs are different colors, shapes and sizes for a reason Signs are not and will not be fully replaced by GPS systems Have you ever been driving down the road and wondered what the words and symbols actually mean and how they impact your mobility? Signs have been used since the dawn of mobility to delineate road distances and location boundaries. But those early roads typically only went to one place (example: The Road to Damascus) without variations, detours or extensions. As road structures evolved so did the signs that provided direction on them. This analysis will focus on the history of road signage, its evolution over time and the new technologies on the horizon to replace traditional signage. History of Signage Research is a bit unclear as to when the first road signs were used but it is safe to assume that they came about around the time that writing became a ubiquitous form of communication. Historical accounts reference road signs during the Greek and Roman empires to delineate a road’s ultimate destination. But these signs were mainly used to direct individuals on foot or horse-drawn carts. As roadway structures evolved to meet the needs of travelers, and later their vehicles, so did the signage needed to ensure efficient travel. The first organizations to develop comprehensive signage programs were automobile clubs. Buffalo Automobile Club is recorded in 1905 as the first organization to develop such a program across New York.2 Other clubs across the country followed suit but with a lack of regulation there was soon competition for space on utility poles which led to extensive confusion. Over time though numerous modernizations were made to improve mobility. Examples of these are included in the corresponding box. Innovations in Signage and Roadway Markings 1911, a centerline is painted on a Michigan road. 1914, the first electric traffic signal is installed in Cleveland. 1915, the first STOP sign appears in Detroit. 1916, the Federal-Aid Act requires that a State have a highway department before it can get Federal money. 1918, Wisconsin is the first state to erect official route signs as part of its maintenance functions. http://mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov/kno-history.htm 1920, the first 3-color traffic signal is installed in Detroit. It was not until the 1920s that discussions were begun about a standardized manner of signage across the country. The First National Conference on Street and Highway Safety first proposed a standard marking and colors for signage in 1924. Unfortunately this proposal was not well-received (there were concerns about the color combinations proposed on some signs—purple background with white lettering was proposed to designate intersections). It was not until 1932 that the first Committee on Uniform Traffic Control Devices was convened and not until 1935 that the first Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) was published for use across the country. Over the years, the MUTCD has been revised to reflect the growing needs of state highway organizations as well as evolving transportation modes.  3
 4
Download 327.62 Kb. Share with your friends:
|