The goal of the present research, carried out between July 2004 and June 2005 was to identify and develop New Zealand speed management approaches that influence drivers' speed choices by manipulating road features that evoke correct expectations and driving behaviours from road users. The research first reviewed the available published research in the areas of traffic calming, self-explaining roads, and perceptual countermeasures. A range of speed management designs were identified for threshold treatments that clearly indicate a change in speed, and treatments that encourage drivers to maintain an appropriate speed in the zone. A sample site survey of driver speeds was conducted to compare vehicle speeds at several locations and provide an indication of whether the variables reported in the overseas literature would have equivalent effects on New Zealand roads. A questionnaire was then prepared to obtain road safety researchers' ratings of the effectiveness (speed compliance), sustainability (resistance to habituation), and suitability (road user acceptance) of road designs for speed change and speed maintenance. The results of the questionnaire were summarised and used to develop a list of speed management designs with the greatest promise for implementing sustainably safe, self-explaining roads in New Zealand. (Author/publisher)
Abstract