The effects of the traffic signs information volume on the visual characteristics and workload of novice and experienced drivers.

This article investigates the impact of Traffic Sign Information Volume (TSIV) on the visual characteristics and workload of novice and experienced drivers through simulated driving tests in China. TSIV, quantified using information theory, was tested at six levels (S0 to S5), with eye-tracking data revealing that both driver groups exhibited optimal visual performance and lowest visual workload at the S3 level (30 bits/km). Experienced drivers demonstrated more efficient visual search strategies, shorter fixation and saccade durations, and larger saccade amplitudes compared to novices, indicating superior information processing. The study concludes that the S3 TSIV level balances information complexity and cognitive load, enhancing driver safety by optimizing visual attention and reducing workload for drivers of varying experience. These findings provide evidence-based guidance for designing traffic sign systems that accommodate driver capabilities and promote safer driving environments.