1. Synchronization of traffic signals as a means of reducing red-light running
- Author
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Shinar, David, Bourla, Muki, and Kaufman, Liat
- Subjects
Ergonomic aid ,Ergonomics ,Technology application ,Automobile drivers -- Psychological aspects -- Technology application -- Research ,Ergonomics -- Research -- Technology application -- Psychological aspects ,Traffic signs and signals -- Technology application -- Research -- Psychological aspects - Abstract
INTRODUCTION Surveys of British and American motorists indicate that aggressive driving is one of the driver's greatest concerns as far as traffic safety is involved (AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, […], The goal of this study was to determine if traffic signals that are synchronized along a route are associated with fewer red-light violations than traffic signals that are not synchronized. A total 5600 cycles of traffic signals at 12 intersections along 2 major urban arteries were observed. Synchronized intersections were effective in reducing the likelihood of red-light running (RLR) by (a) providing fewer opportunities than nonsynchronized intersections for RLR and (b) having a lower rate of RLR relative to the number of opportunities. After adjustment for the number of opportunities, the odds of entering the intersections in red in synchronized intersections were nearly 1/7 the odds of RLR in nonsynchronized intersections. Congestion reduced the effectiveness of synchronized intersections relative to nonsynchronized intersections. Male drivers were slightly more likely to run red lights than female drivers, and the effects of synchronization were fairly constant across age, gender, and the presence or absence of passengers. Actual or potential applications of this research involve signal synchronization to reduce aggressive driving in general and RLR in particular.
- Published
- 2004