The impact of road network modifications on the psyche of its users
Abstract: Transport is a basic element of society and is a part of life necessary for the development of civilization. Currently, the most important and most used for the human is land transport, including road and rail transport. Road transport, more significant of these two types, is realized by a land road network, a continuous line structure of roads and paved roads passing through the landscape and connecting each settlement and other important points. Recently, this type of transport is also a high-discussed topic, especially passenger car transport. The constant increase in the density of road traffic, the speed and the rush of today lead to an increase in the load and pressure that is exerted on users of this spaces. This has a major impact on traffic safety, especially in urban areas, where the area of the road network is used not only by motor vehicle drivers but also by pedestrians and cyclists. The road network itself is not a dangerous element, danger poses a dynamic element, which is mostly created by its users. The element that poses the greatest risk is undoubtedly the motor vehicle and its driver. On the other hand, there is a pedestrian against this "iron mass", a man without any elements or armor that would protect him. It thus becomes the most endangered user in the traffic, who should be always taken into account at first place and roads should be provided with maximum safety for pedestrians. The aim of the paper is to present two case-studies addressing this issue from the perspective of Czech drivers in comparison with drivers from the Nordic countries. These studies will identify and compare basic aspects of road traffic, such as the psychological characteristics of drivers, possible differences in road behavior, general road network modifications and differences as for example the use of speed control elements. The second part of the paper shows specific modifications of the road network from previous case-studies, which have a positive psychological effect on users and can be used in modifications of the road network, for example, when is the need to calm down communication.
