Should running man sign not be walking man sign?

[Guest JenniferS]

There is something about Fire/emergency signs that has always baffled me. The one thing you are always told NOT to do in a case of an emergency is to RUN. However, the human shape in all signs is clearly running. This can easily be adapted. I understand it may be important that the person is showing an obvious direction in movement but this can still be done without reflecting the running motion. All that needs to be done is have the body in an upright position and lower the back leg by 45 degrees. This way it will still show the forward motion but in a more calm and collect manner.
Can this be taken into account?

[AnthonyB]

There have been plenty of tests and studies into the actual symbol on the exit signs which is why we are currently with the BS EN ISO 7010 pictogram as it had the best results in comprehension tests. There is no evidence from testing that these signs encourage running so whilst your observation is correct, the actual risk is negligible.