To increase understanding of road user behaviour in relation to the physical design of the traffic environment, it is of interest to enhance knowledge regarding the "internal models", which are assumed to govern road user behaviour. The aim of this pilot study has been to develop and test methods that could describe road users' mental representation of the traffic system. The study was aimed at "informal traffic zones", i.e. a traffic environment which is defined by a specific set of qualities and regulations and by demands that the road user has to consider. Two methods were tested, "categorization of road sections" and "speed judgement of road sections". Both methods were carried out as interviews and with photographs of road sections as stimulus material. Although, the methods have functioned satisfactorily, the study shows that in order to capture the "intuitive" experience of a traffic situation, the instructions and the time limit need to be changed before continuing with the project. (A)
Abstract