Sign of Care: Redefining Road Safety with Virtual Traffic Signs

Introducing Never-before-Seen Virtual Traffic Signs

Thailand has been grappling with a high number of road accidents, ranking among the top five countries in the world. In response, Krungsri Auto, the leading automobile leasing company, initiated the LET'sponsible road safety project in 2014. This year, they have taken a bold step by reimagining traditional traffic signs and introducing Virtual Traffic Signs.

Unlike conventional traffic signs that remain unchanged for years, these Virtual Traffic Signs are designed to reflect the challenging behaviors that pose a threat to road safety. By leveraging social media platforms, Krungsri Auto has successfully spread these signs organically, reaching 2.9 million people and garnering 9,600 Facebook shares. Additionally, physical versions of the signs were displayed during the Chiang Mai Design Week and Bangkok Design Week, where they received positive feedback from over 1,500 attendees.

The Virtual Traffic Signs are designed to be easily shareable, allowing individuals to play an active role in promoting road safety. With just one image shared, drivers and riders can help minimize accidents and potentially save lives. Each sign follows the existing traffic sign format, featuring a rectangular shape with a circle or diamond in the middle to indicate behaviors that should be avoided or approached with caution, respectively.

What sets these Virtual Traffic Signs apart is the inclusion of a tiny symbol of people in some designs. This addition adds a powerful and deep meaning to the signs, emphasizing the importance of caring for oneself and others on the road. By incorporating these symbols, Krungsri Auto aims to evoke empathy and encourage responsible driving habits.

The Let'sponsible road safety project began with extensive research on the problematic behaviors prevalent in Thai society. Using statistics gathered from social media, television, and newspapers, the team identified behaviors such as using a phone while driving as urgent areas of concern. By addressing these behaviors through the Virtual Traffic Signs, Krungsri Auto hopes to increase awareness and promote safer driving practices.

With a size of 624 pixels in width and 1040 pixels in length for the virtual version, and 45 cm in width and 75 cm in length for the physical version, these signs adhere to the standard dimensions of traditional traffic signs.

The Sign of Care project faced several challenges during its development. The team brainstormed to identify the most pressing behaviors and then had to find ways to differentiate the Virtual Traffic Signs from existing signs. By incorporating the tiny symbol of people into nine out of thirteen designs, they transformed the signs into more than just warnings, but symbols of care and empathy.

Recognizing their innovative approach and commitment to road safety, the Sign of Care project was awarded the Iron A' Design Award in 2020. This prestigious award recognizes designs that are well-designed, practical, and innovative, meeting professional and industrial requirements while contributing to a better world.

Through the Sign of Care project, Krungsri Auto has not only redefined road safety but also empowered individuals to actively participate in creating a safer driving environment. By sharing these Virtual Traffic Signs, we can all contribute to minimizing accidents and protecting the ones we care about.