One in five signs ‘a mystery’

New research for Kwik Fit has suggested the average driver knows only 79% of UK road sign meanings, with one in five road signs ‘a mystery’. According to the research, for two in five drivers, not being able to understand a sign or being confused over its meaning has led to problems on the road. The most common mistakes due to misinterpreting road signs are breaking the speed limit (16%), braking suddenly (15%) and having to slow down, causing traffic to build up (9%). The study found the majority of drivers believe the driving theory and hazard perception tests should be retaken throughout people’s motoring lives, with 53% thinking it should be repeated at least once every 20 years. Only one in ten drivers correctly identified the central white line markings which indicate a hazard ahead, with 66% believing it meant normal road conditions. Kwik Fit found 19% were flummoxed by the meaning of a white circle with a black diagonal bar. 5% thought this meant a 70mph limit applied, 4% thought 60mph applied, while 7% thought it meant no speed restrictions.