Transformation of Signage and Road Markings as a Medium for Safety in School Area

Abstract

The increased numbers of accident in school area are concerned. Recent report stated that 37 primary schools and 253 secondary school students died because of road accidents. This number increased dramatically until the end of March 2015, a total of 13 primary schools and 296 secondary school students involved reported road accidents and death. Static road signs are no longer enough to provide motorist with all the information they require in a relevant and timely manner. This research proposed a transformation of signage and road markings as a medium for safety in school area by proposing an interactive signage. Environmental Graphic Design (EGD) is a design profession embracing many design disciplines including graphic design, architecture, industrial design and landscape architecture. Practitioners in this field are concerned with the visual aspects of way finding, communicating identity and brands, information design, and shaping a sense of place. It is believed that EGD will help improving student from early age to be able to read the signage with more effective and decipherable. Also help parent and drivers out there too aware with sign. This research was conducted via interview and questionnaire. One interviewer and 26 respondents participated in the questionnaire session. The sample population will be drawn from parents, workers, and drivers at schools area in Shah Alam, Selangor. It is believed that through EGD, Light Emitting Diode (LED) lamps are recommended to be a solution to decrease numbers of accident. Flashing Speed Limit Signs are highly visible and innovative, creating instant awareness of local speed variations. These signs help create safe local traffic conditions for the community, warning drivers to slow down at specific sections of the road. The resulting cost may be too expensive when compared with the previous system, but the effect will be positive if the reduction of accidents in the school could be reduced especially if it involves the lives and could be used for long period of time.