DRIVER RESPONSE TO A METROPOLITAN MAIN ROAD INTERSECTION CONTROL PROGRAM

This report is concerned with the field observation phase of a longitudinal (before and after) study of the effects on driver behavior of a metropolitan area intersection control program (called Metcon by the State of Victoria). By this program all main road intersection priorities are allocated by road signs and markings or by automatic signals. Driver response to the program was examined both by direct observation in the field and by a questionnaire survey. Responses to the questionnaire are reported separately. Field observation results strongly suggest a complete changeover of priority assignments at intersections to the main road driver. Conflict anticipation behaviors and overtaking responses indicate generally reduced uncertainty and excitation of high risk responses. There are some contradictions, however, stemming primarily from an incomplete application of the program such that driver determined priorities must still apply away from the main roads and at some high density intersection where automatic signals have yet to be installed. Other problem areas and research requirements are identified. /Author/

• Supplemental Notes:
  • Sponsored by the Australian Department of Transportation.
• Corporate Authors:

  Monash University

  Human Factor Groups, Wellington Road
  Clayton, Victoria 3168,   Australia 
• Authors:
  • McKelvey, R K
  • Wisdom, P H
  • Mare, W K
  • Triggs, T J
• Publication Date: 1976-8

Media Info

• Features: Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 59 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Before and after studies; Behavior; Drivers; Field studies; Intersections; Questionnaires; Reaction time; Traffic conflicts; Traffic signals
• Uncontrolled Terms: Driver reaction
• Old TRIS Terms: Field observation
• Subject Areas: Highways; Operations and Traffic Management; Safety and Human Factors;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00152383
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: National Safety Council Safety Research Info Serv
• Report/Paper Numbers: Report No HRF 3
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: May 31 1977 12:00AM