It can be determined which road characteristics are important to optimize the recognisability of the `sustainably safe' road types. This is done by using a structured TNO Human Factors Research Institute (TNO-TM) laboratory experiment, in which photographs and video animations are used. Within the framework of the long-term "Sustainably Safe Road Environment and Behaviour" project, this report presents the results of the preparatory activities for such a laboratory experiment. These were: identifying and selecting potential, relevant road characteristics; and making a definite research design. The research design involves experimenting with four variants of road designs of the five road types according to the `sustainably safe' principles: (1) main roads; (2) 80 km/h `distributors'; (3) 60 km/h access roads; (4) 50 km/h `distributors'; and (5) 30 km/h access roads. The design variants have been so worked out that it is possible to study the effect of the following five road characteristics on the recognition of the road types by road users: (i) surface colour; (ii) type of central marking; (iii) type of edge marking; (iv) alternative pavement marking (narrowing-illusion marking); and (v) roadside posts. The influence of these characteristics on the expectations of road users of a particular road type were investigated. Finally, the design of the experiment is examined more closely. (A)
Abstract