THE DURATION OF THE AMBER LIGHT PHASE AT TRAFFIC LIGHTS

DE DUWR VAN DE GEEL FASE BIJ VERKEERSLICHTEN

On encountering the amber light phase of the traffic lights the driver of an oncoming vehicle has to make a choice between driving forward and stopping. This choice is determined by (1) his estimation of his own speed (2) his estimation of his distance to the stopping line and (3) his expectation of the duration of the amber light phase. It is stated that an amber light phase which is too short can be considered unsafe and can indirectly slow down traffic flow. An amber light phase which is too long can decrease the efficiency of a junction and can lead indirectly to unsafe behaviour. A mathematical model is developed for the optimum duration of the amber light phase and is discussed. It is concluded that the standardization of the duration of the amber light phase is urgent. /TRRL/

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/oclc/11047761
• Corporate Authors:

  Royal Dutch Touring Club ANWB

  Wassenaarseweg 220, P.O. Box 93200
  The Hague,   Netherlands 
• Authors:
  • Hakkennes, CFJ
• Publication Date: 1977-1

Language

• Dutch

Media Info

• Features: Photos; References; Tables;
• Pagination: p. 22-23
• Serial:
  • Verkeerskunde
  • Volume: 28
  • Issue Number: 1
  • Publisher: NWB BV/Royal Dutch Touring Club
  • ISSN: 0377-8495
  • Serial URL: http://www.verkeerskunde.nl

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Amber; Decision making; Drivers; Forecasting; Highway safety; Intersections; Mathematical models; Motor reactions; Signalized intersections; Traffic flow; Traffic signal cycle; Traffic signals; Yellow; Yellow interval (Traffic signal cycle)
• Subject Areas: Highways; Operations and Traffic Management; I73: Traffic Control;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00153949
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Institute for Road Safety Research, SWOV
• Report/Paper Numbers: Analytic
• Files: ITRD, TRIS
• Created Date: Sep 20 1977 12:00AM