Authors: Yue Liu, Gang-Len Chang, Ruihua Tao, Thonas Hicks and Eric Tabacek
Conference: 2008′ TRB Annual Meeting
Abstract:
This paper presents the investigation results of driver behavioral patterns during a yellow phase, based on field observations of 1123 drivers using a specially-designed system at six signalized intersections of high accident frequency in Maryland. By classifying drivers at each intersection into aggressive pass, conservative stop, and normal groups based on their responses (i.e., stop or pass) and their distances to the stop line when the signal turns yellow, the statistical tests with the ordered-probit model clearly indicates the impacts of some critical factors on a driver’s decision. Such factors include: average traffic flow speeds, traffic volume rate, the green split, the number of through and crossing lanes in the target approach, signal coordination, the difference between individual vehicle’s approaching speed and average traffic flow speeds, individual driver’s gender, age, and talking over cell phone or not, individual vehicle’s type and model, and etc. The analysis results offer the basis for assessing the safety conditions at hazardous intersections, and for design of contra measures.