Work

Cognitive processing of bilingual traffic signs: an eye-tracking study in a driving simulator

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Multilingual road signage reflects both cultural recognition and the rights of minority language communities. At the same time, it poses challenges for traffic safety, as additional linguistic information may increase visual complexity and cognitive load for drivers. Despite its societal relevance, little empirical evidence exists on how multilingual signage affects driver perception and behaviour in dynamic traffic situations. This study examined the impact of different design variants of multilingual road signs on visual attention and information processing during driving. A mixed-methods approach was used, combining a driving simulator with questionnaire data. Participants ( N = 77) completed simulated drives on motorway and main road settings while wearing eye-tracking glasses and identified target destinations using a joystick. Experimental scenarios systematically varied in typographic format (italics vs. slash), number of destinations, and road type. Italics consistently supported efficient performance, even when additional destinations were displayed, whereas the slash notation produced faster responses on motorways but slower performance on main roads when destination lists were longer. Fixation durations were less strongly affected but still showed measurable differences, with overall viewing times longer on motorways compared with main roads. Taken together, the results indicate that cognitive processing in bilingual signage is jointly shaped by information density and typographic design. Italics demonstrated robust performance across contexts, facilitating clear visual separation and efficient information uptake, while the slash notation proved advantageous only under specific layout conditions. The findings emphasise that balancing information density with typographic clarity is essential for maintaining legibility and supporting safe driver performance in multilingual road environments.

Source: Transportation Research Part F Traffic Psychology and Behaviour

DOI: 10.1016/j.trf.2026.103676

Authors: Maximilian David, Dirk Kemper, Maximilian Schwalm, Martin Baumann, Alvaro Garcia-Hernandez

Language: English

Topic: Safety Warnings and Signage

Subfield: Human Factors and Ergonomics

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Sustainable cities and communities

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $2,780

Funder: Bundesanstalt für Straßenwesen