Influencing driver behaviour and safety by road system improvements

On the basis of a literature survey, the issue of influencing driver behaviour by a user-based approach to road design and driver information is discussed. The importance of considering driver information needs and cognitive capacities and limitiations is focussed. Road layout, signs and markings should be in accordance with driver expectations, to avoid errors and increased crash risk. Special topics that are discussed include effects of road design on speed, the risk of wrong-way driving (especially on motorways), criteria for optimal direction signing, and how the road system should better accommodate the information needs of elderly drivers.