Perception of road traffic lights using light-emitting diodes by congenitally color-defective persons

摘要

We evaluated the ability of congenitally color-defective persons in discriminating among red, yellow and green traffic lights using light-emitting diodes (LED). We built two traffic light systems. Incandescent light bulbs were housed in one and LEDs in the other. The two systems were presented to 5 normal persons and 18 color-defective persons as test subjects. The 5 persons with normal color vision gave correct answers regarding red, yellow and green. Out of 18 color-defective persons, 11 (61%) gave false answers both for LED and incandescent lights. The incidence of false answers was greater for red and yellow by LED than by incandescent lamp. The findings show that a majority of color-defective persons have difficulties in distinguishing LED road traffic lights. There is an urgent need to incorporate additional signs in the traffic light system.