Resources

This research, (conducted in 2003 on state highways in the upper North Island, New Zealand), aimed to improve safety at passing lanes by examining the influence of lane design on driver behaviour. It was carried out in four stages:

• Stages 1 and 2 were a review of information about driver behaviour at passing lanes, and on-road measurements of overtaking behaviour.
• Stage 3 was a detailed analysis of crashes related to overtaking when using the passing lane in the opposing direction, and to analyse factors common to these crashes.
• Stage 4 was an analysis of the impact of alternative merge area designs on driver behaviour using a driving simulator.

Suggested changes to road design to alleviate these issues are provided.

Keywords: crashes, design, driver behaviour, lane design, New Zealand, overtaking, roads, road accidents, road lanes, road markings, traffic, vehicles