Road Traffic Division

The Road Traffic Division at the Stjørdal campus offers a rich research and educational environment on driving education, road traffic safety, and sustainable transport topics.

Our research focuses on understanding the human perspectives within traffic safety and sustainable mobility topics. The primary goal of the research is to analyse, identify, and predict human perspectives and behaviours that should be considered in the development of safe and sustainable transport systems. The subject group has both national and international research partners from various universities, state bodies, and public and private agencies within road traffic and transport.

In addition to research, the Road Traffic Division also has the national responsibility for building expertise and providing education for traffic instructors and driving test examiners in Norway. The zero vision, which aims for no one to be killed or injured in road traffic, is a guiding vision in both research and education in our group.

In 2022, a research and education laboratory was established, called TRAFIKKLAB (www.trafikklab.no). The laboratory focuses on studying innovative technologies in the traffic sector, transport systems, and driver teacher education using various equipment including driving simulators.

Head of division: Rikke Mo Veie

Research coordinator: An-Magritt Steinset Kummeneje

Trafikkfag

Research areas

  • Central themes:

    • Communication between driving teacher and learner drivers
    • Cycling training among children
    • Professional education
    • Pedagogical observation (Peer Learning) in the field of practice
    • Traffic teacher training
    • Traffic education

  • Central themes:

    • Theoretical and fundamental issues in traffic psychology
    • Psychology, safety and vehicle operation
    • Understanding human behavior in traffic and transport systems
    • Role of psychological factors, such as attitudes, social norms, emotions and risk perception, on road-safety behaviors and environmentally friendly transport choices
    • Traffic safety risks among vulnerable road users (e.g., cyclists, ATV/UTV users)

  • Central themes:

    • Legal issues related to the Road Traffic Act, with a specific focus on legal challenges and solutions within driver training and traffic regulation
    • Legal issues related to law in professional transport with motor vehicles, road freight, and the regulations related to road transport law.

  • Central themes:

    • Simulation and analysis of driving behaviour and performances
    • Innovative Technologies in the Road Infrastructure and in Vehicles
    • ADAS systems and Self-Driving Vehicles
    • Electric Mobility
    • Innovative Mobility solutions
    • Vehicle Dynamics

  • Central themes:

    • Media use during pandemic

Reserch Groups

  • The group conducts research primarily in the fields of traffic & transport psychology, driving education, transport technologies, traffic law, and sustainable mobility, using both quantitative and qualitative research approaches. A particular emphasis is placed on understanding the role of human factors and behavioural aspects in traffic safety and transportation. All types of road user groups, including drivers of passenger cars and heavy vehicles, cyclists, pedestrians, and motorcyclists, are included in the research.

    The research team includes researchers from different academic disciplines, such as pedagogy, psychology, engineering, and law. The multidisciplinary and interactive nature of the research team contributes to the quality and variation of the conducted research.

    Research group leader: Özlem Simsekoglu