Introduction: Traffic Signs and the Bioptic Driver

All drivers may encounter difficulties at times with road signs. Not properly observing and identifying road signs could lead to running a stop sign, missing a school zone or difficulty getting the information from white regulatory signs. The visually impaired driver may also have difficulty reading a long sign.

Bioptic drivers in training are taught how to incorporate specific strategies to help them to quickly "spot read" signage.  The bioptic driver views through the bioptic  briefly, usually for about a second only. Knowing the signs thoroughly, helps quickly the driver identify a sign with only a brief view.

Examples of Difficult Signs

Bioptic drivers are taught to Spot Read vs. Reading.  For example, if a bioptic driver with previous driving experience sees the word “Ice” on a sign he should be able to fill in the rest of the sign.  However, a new bioptic driver may need to be taught what the completion of the sign says. 

Road Signs Provide Clues to
Your Driving Environment

A bioptic drivers needs to know the color and the shape of the road signs. This is the foundation to be able to assist you with quickly reading road signs. Some signage colors may be more difficult for a specific bioptic driver. Orange and yellow signs are often more difficult for many visually impaired drivers. Glare issues can also impair sign detection. The use of selective filters in the eyewear many improve sign detection.

There are eight color shapes.

• Red
  
• White
  
• Yellow
  
• Yellow-Green
  
• Orange
  
• Blue
  
• Green
  
• Brown

There are eight sign shapes

• Octagon
• Triangle
• Rectangle (Vertical/Horizontal)
• Pentagon
• Round
• Pennant
• Diamond
• Square