Citation

Pearce PL, Promnitz J. Aust. Road Res. 1984; 14(3): 156-160.

Affiliation

James Cook Univ of North Queensland, Dep of Behavioral Sciences, Townsville, Aust, Townsville, Aust

Copyright

(Copyright © 1984, Australian Road Research Board ARRB)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Tourist highways are defined as routes with low rates of commercial traffic which are high in scenic resources, possessing good quality road surfaces and adequate information features. Research projects to further the development of tourist highways as a recreational resource are outlined. A link between accident rates and the aesthetic appeal of the driving experience is noted, and studies to investigate users' perceptions and choice of highways are indicated. Studies concerned with recreation driving itself are also suggested. An illustrative study of the images of 14 Australian highways indicates one of the many quantitative procedures which could be employed to understand travellers' images of highways. This pilot analysis outlines a clear demarcation between short, scenic, coastal routes and longer, arid and more tedious tourist highways. Finally, the relatively cheap cost of 'software' research addressing tourists' perceptions and images of highways is outlined.