Traffic Microsimulation Modeling to Study a Traffic Signal Incident Reduction Function

This paper demonstrates the use of a discrete event traffic microsimulation model to study the safety impacts of the introduction of an incident reduction (IR) function into a vehicle-actuated traffic signal controller. The IR function is based on that used in signal controllers in Sweden. The IR function is designed to reduce the number of stop-or-go decisions by drivers when caught in the dilemma zone at the onset of the amber signal. A correctly adapted IR function was found to greatly enhance the safety performance of signalized intersections. The simulation experiment described in the paper is based on empirical data from a suburban vehicle-actuated signalized intersection. It was conducted specifically to investigate the effects of the standard IR function on three proximal safety indicators: time to collision, red light violations, and required braking rates. The simulation results demonstrate a significant improvement in the time to collision (22%), red light violations (6%), and required braking rate when the IR function was in operation and a small positive influence on traffic movement through the intersection. Importantly, this study has illustrated the potential for using traffic microsimulation modeling for traffic safety evaluation.

• Record URL:
  • https://doi.org/10.3141/2103-10
• Summary URL:
  • http://scholar.google.com/scholar_lookup?title=Traffic+Microsimulation+Modeling+to+Study+a+Traffic+Signal+Incident+Reduction+Function&author=W.+Young&author=J.+Archer&publication_year=2009
• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://trb.org/Main/Public/Blurbs/Safety_Data_Analysis_and_Evaluation_2009_Volume_2_162222.aspx?
• Authors:
  • Young, William
  • Archer, Jeffery
• Publication Date: 2009

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Print
• Features: Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: pp 80-87
• Monograph Title: Safety Data, Analysis, and Evaluation 2009, Volume 2
• Serial:
  • Transportation Research Record: Journal of the Transportation Research Board
  • Issue Number: 2103
  • Publisher: Transportation Research Board
  • ISSN: 0361-1981

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Actuated traffic signal controllers; Braking; Dilemma zone; Microsimulation; Red light running; Signalized intersections; Traffic incidents; Traffic safety; Traffic simulation
• Uncontrolled Terms: Time to collision
• Subject Areas: Highways; Operations and Traffic Management; Safety and Human Factors; I73: Traffic Control; I80: Accident Studies;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01123225
• Record Type: Publication
• ISBN: 9780309126182
• Report/Paper Numbers: 09-0220
• Files: TRIS, TRB, ATRI
• Created Date: Mar 13 2009 6:36AM