THE PROBLEM OF STOPPING DRIVERS AFTER THE TERMINATION OF THE GREEN SIGNAL AT TRAFFIC LIGHTS

The problem of poor driver observance of traffic light signals is examined in terms of drivers who traverse the stop-line after the termination of the yellow signal interval (the so-called "red-runners"). Analysis of accident statistics confirms that red-running is a significant traffic safety problem, and its incidence is increasing. The paper examines the rationality of traffic regulations governing driver behaviour of yellow and red signals; and analyses the requirements of traffic engineering criteria to promote compliance with the law. Theoretically derived timing algorithms for the yellow and all-red intervals have been evaluated in the field, and it has been concluded that these timings are not critical due to the effect of driver adaptation. It is considered that the deterrent effects of accident risk and penalty severity are low. Three systems of enforcement are discussed, and it is concluded that a high level of police surveillance increases the perceived probability of detection which is a more effective deterrent. A review of recent research indicated that the most promising long-term countermeasure lies in a change of societal attitudes underlying motivation, which is the primary factor influencing driving behaviour. (Author/TRRL)

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/00410683
• Corporate Authors:

  Printerhall Limited

  29 Newmart Street
  London W1P 3PE,   England 
• Authors:
  • HULSCHER, F R
• Publication Date: 1984-3

Media Info

• Features: Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: p. 110-116
• Serial:
  • Traffic Engineering & Control
  • Volume: 25
  • Issue Number: 3
  • Publisher: Hemming Group, Limited
  • ISSN: 0041-0683
  • Serial URL: http://www.tecmagazine.com/

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Attitudes; Behavior; Calculation; Compliance; Countermeasures; Crimes; Drivers; Legislation; Methodology; Police; Red; Red interval (Traffic signal cycle); Safety; Time; Traffic crashes; Traffic law enforcement; Traffic regulations; Traffic signal cycle; Traffic signal timing; Traffic signals; Traffic surveillance; Traffic violators; Yellow; Yellow change interval
• Uncontrolled Terms: Deterrents
• ITRD Terms: 559: Amber light; 2267: Attitude (psychol); 6464: Calculation; 576: Cycle (traffic signals); 1772: Driver; 1556: Legislation; 9102: Method; 1516: Offence; 539: Red light; 5414: Time; 565: Traffic signal
• Subject Areas: Highways; Law; Operations and Traffic Management; Safety and Human Factors; Security and Emergencies; I73: Traffic Control;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00391302
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Transport Research Laboratory
• Report/Paper Numbers: HS-037 064
• Files: HSL, ITRD, TRIS, ATRI
• Created Date: Dec 30 1984 12:00AM