A cognitive and metacognitive approach for exploring link between urban transport environment and driver behaviour: case of roundabout crossed by tramway line

Abstract

The proliferation of roundabouts and tramway lines are among the most spectacular transformations of Moroccan roads and landscapes in recent years. These changes raise serious concerns about the effects of these new urban and road developments on traffic, on drivers’ behaviours, and thus on road safety. These issues brin g up the question concerning the adequacy bet ween the choices of road designers and the expectations of road users. Indeed, sustainable ur ban transport and well f unctioning road cannot be designed without a holistic understanding of the way drivers act in changing environment through which they move in time and space. Consequently, there is a strong need to further knowledge about practices and behaviours of road users. The present research investigates the cognitive and metacognitive strategies use by drivers in a complex t echnical system such as roundabo ut crossed by tramway line. In this article we propose an empirical model to explore the effect of urban transport environment on drivers’ behaviours. The paper presents an exploratory study based on a data triangulation app roach including database analysis, interview, observation, and think aloud protocol. The paper presents the main findings of the study and discusses their implications for road safety.