01333483

Component

This paper presents an investigation into the driver’s behavior at channelized right-turn lanes where exclusive signal control is used for the channelized traffic movement. Three study sites in the cities of Belgrade and Bozeman in southwest Montana were investigated by this study. A literature review revealed an overall lack of knowledge concerning the operational and safety aspects of channelized right-turn lanes, especially concerning the type of traffic control used. This may explain, to a large extent, the lack of guidance in practice and the broad range of behaviors demonstrated by drivers during this investigation. The three study sites were observed using surveillance cameras on mobile traffic monitoring trailers with data collection duration of 5 days at each location. The results of the investigation showed that over half of the drivers of the channelized traffic treated the traffic signal as a yield control, while only a very small percentage of drivers treated the situation as a signal control. Further, statistical analyses confirmed that drivers’ treatment of control is influenced by time of day, vehicle type and traffic level. The study emphasizes the need for further research into the safety and operational aspects of this right-turn treatment at intersections.

01329018

11-3440

English

18p

2011

Transportation Research Board 90th Annual Meeting

DVD

Figures (7) ; References (18) ; Tables (2)

Automobile drivers; Behavior; Channelized intersections; Periods of the day; Right turn lanes; Traffic control; Traffic lanes; Traffic volume; Yield signs

Belgrade (Montana); Bozeman (Montana)

Highways; Operations and Traffic Management; Safety and Human Factors; I73: Traffic Control; I84: Personal Injuries

Transportation Research Board Annual Meeting 2011 Paper #11-3440

TRIS, TRB

Feb 17 2011 6:31PM