EFFICACY OF RED AND YELLOW TURN ARROWS IN TRAFFIC SIGNALS

The objective of the study was determination of efficacy of red, yellow and green turn arrow indications in traffic signals. Four basic study methods were: (1) history of traffic signals and use of arrows for traffic controls; (2) determination of current practices among traffic engineers throughout the Nation; (3) public understanding and acceptance of arrow indications in lieu of conventional circular lenses in traffic signals through the medium of questionnaires mailed in by highway users; and (4) before and after field studies, by time-lapse photography, to determine motorist response, accident experience and cost effectiveness at six experimental sites in Washington, D.C. and two sites in the suburban area of Montgomery County, Maryland. All elements of the study are described in detail. Arrows were found to be beneficial in some circumstances. Conclusions and recommendations, are expressed. Guidelines for use of three color turn arrow displays have been developed, and a Users Manual to aid in implementing arrow displays, is included.

• Corporate Authors:

  District Department of Transportation

  250 M Street SE
  Washington, DC  United States  20003

  Federal Highway Administration

  1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Authors:
  • Flanakin, HAM
  • KRAFT, M A
  • VANVECHTEN, T
• Publication Date: 1975-11

Media Info

• Pagination: 192 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Acceptance; Arrows; Before and after studies; Color; Cost effectiveness; Economic efficiency; Evaluation; Field studies; Field tests; Geometric configurations and shapes; Green interval; Highway traffic control; Manuals; Questionnaires; Red interval (Traffic signal cycle); Symbols; Time lapse photography; Traffic engineering; Traffic engineers; Traffic signals; Travelers; Turn signals; Yellow change interval
• Uncontrolled Terms: Acceptability; Efficiency
• Old TRIS Terms: Arrow (Traffic control); Geometric forms
• Subject Areas: Economics; Highways; Operations and Traffic Management; Society;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00153967
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: National Technical Information Service
• Report/Paper Numbers: FHWA-RD-76- 2 Final Rpt., FCP 31A1-534
• Contract Numbers: DOT-FH-11-8153
• Files: NTIS, TRIS, USDOT, STATEDOT
• Created Date: Jun 17 1977 12:00AM