Improved driver responses at intersections with red signal countdown timers

Abstract Traffic Signal Countdown Timers (TSCTs) are innovative, practical and cost effective technologies with the potential to improve efficiency at signalized intersections. The purpose of these devices is to assist motorists in decision-making at signalized intersections with real-time signal duration information. This study focused specifically on driver responses in the presence of a Red Signal Countdown Timer (RSCT). A Linear Mixed Effect (LME) model was developed to predict the effect of RSCT on the headway of the first vehicle waiting on a red signal. The model predicted 0.72 s reduction in the headway of the first queued vehicle resulting from the presence of RSCT, while the observed difference in mean headway was 0.82 s. This result is suggestive of a reduction in start-up lost time at signalized intersections, i.e., an improvement in signalized intersection efficiency when an RSCT is present.

[1]  Yu-Chiun Chiou,et al.  Driver responses to green and red vehicular signal countdown displays: Safety and efficiency aspects. , 2010, Accident; analysis and prevention.

[2]  Lelitha Vanajakshi,et al.  Effect of Phase Countdown Timers on Queue Discharge Characteristics under Heterogeneous Traffic Conditions , 2009 .

[3]  Weixu Wang,et al.  Evaluating the Effects of Signal Countdown Timers on Queue Discharge Characteristics at Signalized Intersections in China , 2012 .

[4]  Steven D Schrock,et al.  Implications of Distracted Driving on Start-Up Lost Time for Dual Left-Turn Lanes , 2013 .

[5]  Francesco Bella,et al.  Driving simulator for speed research on two-lane rural roads. , 2008, Accident; analysis and prevention.

[6]  Kent C. Kacir,et al.  DRIVER UNDERSTANDING OF THE GEEN BALL AND FLASHING YELLOW ARROW PERMITTED INDICATIONS: A DRIVING SIMULATOR EXPERIMENT , 2001 .

[7]  Isam Kaysi,et al.  Measuring Aggressive Driving Behavior Using a Driving Simulator: An Exploratory Study , 2011 .

[8]  Kent C. Kacir,et al.  Evaluation of Flashing Yellow Arrow in Traffic Signal Displays with Simultaneous Permissive Indications , 2005 .

[9]  윤태영,et al.  Transportation Research Board of the National Academies , 2015 .

[10]  Katja Kircher,et al.  Driver distraction : a review of the literature , 2007 .

[11]  Thirayoot Limanond,et al.  Exploring impacts of countdown timers on traffic operations and driver behavior at a signalized intersection in Bangkok , 2010 .

[12]  Thirayoot Limanond,et al.  Effects of countdown timers on queue discharge characteristics of through movement at a signalized intersection , 2009 .

[13]  David S. Hurwitz,et al.  Alternative Information Signs: Evaluation of Driver Comprehension and Visual Attention , 2016 .

[14]  William R. McShane,et al.  A review of pedestrian safety models for urban areas in Low and Middle Income Countries , 2016 .

[15]  Mohd Rasdan Ibrahim,et al.  The Effect of Digital Count-Down Display on Signalized Junction Performance , 2008 .

[16]  J Toernros,et al.  DRIVING BEHAVIOUR IN A REAL AND A SIMULATED ROAD TUNNEL , 1996 .

[17]  Lee D. Han,et al.  Effects of Countdown Timers on Driver Behavior After the Yellow Onset at Chinese Intersections , 2011, Traffic injury prevention.

[18]  John Stufken,et al.  Optimal and Efficient Crossover Designs Under Different Assumptions About the Carryover Effects , 2003, Journal of biopharmaceutical statistics.

[19]  R. Dennis Cook,et al.  Cross-Validation of Regression Models , 1984 .

[20]  Z. Reitermanová.  Data Splitting , 2010 .

[21]  Angelika Foerster.  An R And S Plus Companion To Applied Regression , 2016 .

[22]  Francesco Bella.  Validation of a Driving Simulator for Work Zone Design , 2005 .

[23]  Kent C. Kacir,et al.  AN EVALUATION OF THE FLASHING YELLOW ARROW PERMISSIVE INDICATION FOR USE IN SIMULTANEOUS INDICATIONS , 2005 .

[24]  J. Bonneson.  STUDY OF HEADWAY AND LOST TIME AT SINGLE-POINT URBAN INTERCHANGES , 1992 .

[25]  Patrick Stanley Marnell.  Implications of distracted driving on driver behavior in the standing queue of dual left-turn lanes : an empirical study , 2013 .

[26]  David S. Hurwitz,et al.  Fuzzy Logic for Improved Dilemma Zone Identification , 2013 .

[27]  David S. Hurwitz,et al.  Driver Response to Phase Termination at Signalized Intersections at Signalized Intersections: Are Driving Simulator Results Valid? , 2017 .