Evaluation of Driver Behavior in Type II Dilemma Zones at High-Speed Signalized Intersections
Publication: Journal of Transportation Engineering
Volume 137, Issue 4
Abstract
Unlike traditional Type I dilemma zones, where inappropriate signal timings or detector placements restrict the ability of motorists to safely proceed through the intersection or safely stop in advance, Type II dilemma zones are attributed to driver difficulties in decision making. Type II issues become more prevalent at high-speed intersections, which have greater variability in operating speeds and greater potential for serious crashes. Although several features related to Type II dilemma zones are known, inconsistency remains in the application of the boundary definitions. This research characterizes driver behavior and comprehension related to Type II dilemma zones for the purpose of defining these boundary conditions. Empirical observations of 10 high-speed signalized intersection approaches were conducted, and the analyses of the observed driver behavior resulted in an expanded understanding of how and where drivers make their decision to stop or proceed when approaching a signal. Specifically, distributions of vehicle location and driver behavior were examined using multiple boundary definitions, and in several instances the distributions of driver behaviors varied depending on the dilemma-zone definition employed.
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Acknowledgments
This research was conducted as a component of a technical research project titled, “An Evaluation of Dilemma Zone Protection Practices for Signalized Intersection Control” between the University of Massachusetts Amherst and the Vermont Agency of Transportation. The writers would like to acknowledge Russell Velander of VTrans for his support of this initiative.
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Transportation Engineering
Volume 137 • Issue 4 • April 2011
Pages: 277 - 286
Copyright
© 2011 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Jan 4, 2010
Accepted: Aug 17, 2010
Published online: Sep 15, 2010
Published in print: Apr 1, 2011
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