Fuzzy Logic for Improved Dilemma Zone Identification

A Type II dilemma zone (DZ) is the segment of roadway on the approach to an intersection at which drivers have difficulty deciding whether to stop or proceed at the onset of the circular yellow (CY) indication. The safety of signalized intersections is improved when DZs are correctly identified and steps are taken to reduce the likelihood that vehicles will be caught in such zones. This research purports that using driving simulators as a means of collecting driver response data at the onset of the CY indication is a valid methodology for augmenting analysis of decisions and reactions made within the DZ. The data obtained were compared with data from previous experiments documented in the literature, and the evidence suggested that driving simulation was valid for describing driver behavior under the given conditions. After the data were validated, fuzzy logic was proposed as a tool for modeling driver behavior in the DZ, and three models were developed to describe driver behavior as it relates to the speed and position of the vehicle. These models were shown to be consistent with previous research on this subject and were able to predict driver behavior with up to 90% accuracy.

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