Applicability of self-explaining roads in Flanders on the basis of driving simulator studies (R-2377)

In this project, the investigation of the effect of (1) gate constructions at the border of thoroughfares and curviness of the road in thoroughfares, (2) advisory bicycle lanes and (3) colored road sections at intersections on driving behavior and road safety in Flanders is central. These recognizability characteristics should support the recognition of the road environment and thereby traffic safety; but studies (Aarts & Davidse, 2007; Parkin & Meyers, 2010; Van Hout & Brijs, 2008) state that a positive effect on the recognizability of the environment doesnt always coincide with positive road safety effects. Driving simulator studies, fieldwork and accident analysis will examine to what extent these characteristics influence the drivers information processing and behavior, whether the drivers behavior is in accordance with the desired behavior, and the positive and negative effects of these characteristics on road safety. The analysis of measures related to drivers performance, attention level and visual search behavior will provide information about the different stages of information processing. On the basis of these results, recommendations will be made which could influence the application of these low-cost characteristics in Flanders and hopefully result in a better road safety and the reaching of the ambitious road safety targets.

Keywords:Traffic flows, Travel behaviour

Disciplines:Civil and building engineering, Mechanical and manufacturing engineering