Stochastic Dilemma Hazard Model at High-Speed Signalized Intersections
Publication: Journal of Transportation Engineering
Volume 136, Issue 5
Abstract
Dilemma zone (DZ) is an area where drivers can neither stop comfortably nor cross safely when they are presented with a yellow indication at an intersection. The DZ problem is a leading cause for crashes at high-speed signalized intersections. Researchers traditionally assume that vehicles in DZ are equally hazardous and therefore they use the number of vehicles in DZ as an indicator of safety. There is, however, a general understanding among researchers that a DZ-associated accident potential (dilemma hazard thereafter) will vary depending on the subject vehicle’s position and speed at the yellow onset. Based on the previous studies on drivers’ response to the yellow onset, vehicle kinematics, and a Monte Carlo simulation framework, we present a dilemma hazard model for vehicles in the DZ. In light of this model, each vehicle in DZ is assigned a hazard weight according to its position and speed when the yellow is presented. The proposed model is calibrated and validated using the vehicle trajectory data collected at a high-speed signalized intersection in Christiansburg, Va. Finally, the dilemma hazard model is used to obtain optimal clearance interval for the study site.
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Acknowledgments
The research efforts for this paper were sponsored by the Mid Atlantic Universities Transportation Center (MAUTC). The writers are especially thankful to Dr. Vicki Neal and Dr. Zac Doerzaph at Virginia Tech Transportation Institute for providing accessibility to their intersection vehicle trajectory data.
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Transportation Engineering
Volume 136 • Issue 5 • May 2010
Pages: 448 - 456
Copyright
© 2010 ASCE.
History
Received: Nov 17, 2008
Accepted: May 7, 2009
Published online: May 9, 2009
Published in print: May 2010
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