Study Reveals an Unexpected Side Effect of Traffic Safety Messages

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Attention-grabbing signs that remind drivers of highway mortality can backfire in unexpected ways, according to a new study.

When cars in Texas zoom past crash statistics – like '1669 deaths this year on Texas roads' – researchers found drivers are 4.5 percent more likely to get in a crash in the next 10 kilometers .In Texas alone, that accident rate could account for 2,600 crashes a year and an additional 16 fatalities. If the same rate exists nationwide, it's possible road fatality reminders could be causing 17,000 car crashes in the US every year.

Comparing car crashes from before the state's safety campaign started and after, researchers were surprised to find an immediate negative impact. It seemed the campaign was doing the exact opposite of what it was intended to do. By stealing some of a driver's limited attention and turning it into anxiety about death, road signs can cause drivers to overlook other essential considerations, like knowing where other cars are around them.

 

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This article is completely idiotic. The signs are erected in high accident areas - OF COURSE accidents will be higher there!

DFW airport used to have huge signs that showed what terminal your flight was at. But after being sued for diverting a driver’s attention and causing a crash they had to take them down. I would’ve thought it was obvious that diverting a driver’s attention was not good practice

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