01152688

Component

Dynamic dilemma zones are basically a result of varying driving behaviors in response to yellow lights at signalized intersections. This paper comprehensively reviews the recent research practices on the characteristics of dilemma zones, and presents a study on factors impacting the driver’s stopping behavior involved in the dilemma zone problems. Some contributing factors, such as progression quality, lane used by vehicle, and type of vehicle, are explored in this study based on video observations and analysis of observed yellow-onset vehicular trajectory data. Results from the binary logistic regression analysis indicate that the type of vehicle, lane used, and speed/distance at the yellow onset significantly impact the probability of stopping in response to the yellow interval, whereas progression quality is not statistically significant. Lane used by vehicle has a significant impact on driver’s stop decision making. Traveling in the left-side through lane makes drivers 1.8 times more likely to run yellow than traveling in the right-side through lane. Drivers of trucks are found to be more likely to make pass decisions than drivers of passenger vehicles. Car, SUV, and Van, and Light Truck have similar downstream boundaries of Type II dilemma zone while Heavy Truck has the furthest upstream boundary of Type II dilemma zone. Additionally, although progression quality is not statistically significant, drivers in a better progression are found to be more likely to make a pass decision than drivers in an unfavorable progression. Specifically, the upstream boundary of Type II dilemma zone tends to be further from stop line as the progression quality increases. Finally, an example showing the comparison between Type I and Type II dilemma zones is studied.

01147878

10-3315

English

19p

2010

Transportation Research Board 89th Annual Meeting

DVD

Figures; Maps; Photos; References (39) ; Tables (3)

Braking performance; Dilemma zone; Empirical methods; Highway operations; Human factors in crashes; Signalized intersections; Stopping distances; Traffic speed; Travel by vehicle type; Yellow interval (Traffic signal cycle)

Highways; Operations and Traffic Management; Safety and Human Factors; I72: Traffic and Transport Planning

Transportation Research Board Annual Meeting 2010 Paper #10-3315

TRIS, TRB

Jan 25 2010 11:39AM