Effect of age and driving experience on road sign comprehension: a systematic review and meta-analysis of two decades

Road sign comprehension is integral to safe driving, with age and driving experience influencing individuals’ ability to interpret signs effectively. This study conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to synthesise research data from 2004 to 2024 to understand how age and driving experience affect the ability to comprehend road signs. The review identified factors influencing comprehension, including personal characteristics and cognitive design features. Meta-analyses revealed significant differences in accident rates between young and older drivers and novice and experienced drivers. Specifically, the analysis of 3,330 participants (1,746 young drivers and 1,584 older drivers) showed that young drivers were involved in 15.88% points more accidents than older drivers, with high heterogeneity across studies (I² = 99%, P < 0.00001). Similarly, among 1,958 participants (721 novice drivers and 1,237 experienced drivers), novice drivers were involved in 8.68% points more accidents than experienced drivers, also with substantial variability (I² = 98%, P < 0.00001). The review proposed future research directions to improve road sign design, enhance drivers’ understanding, and promote road safety, emphasising the importance of advanced cognitive design features and contextual signage solutions. Insights for policymakers, transportation authorities, and researchers were highlighted, stressing the need to assess traffic sign comprehension and to regularly incorporate user-centred design approaches. Sensitivity analyses and publication bias assessment further strengthened the review’s findings, laying the groundwork for evidence-based interventions to enhance road safety worldwide.