IMPROVING THE INTRINSIC SAFETY OF BLACKED-OUT TRAFFIC SIGNAL INSTALLATIONS IN NEW SOUTH WALES IMPROVING THE INTRINSIC SAFETY OF BLACKED-OUT TRAFFIC

Traffic light systems are widely used to improve traffic safety and/or to minimise traffic disruption. Whilst the electrical equipment associated with the signal system is designed for high reliability, there are nevertheless occasions when the signals are left inoperative (blacked- out) due to equipment failure, lack of mains power or whilst maintenance work is being carried out. Previous research indicated that blacked-out signals are regarded by the public as unacceptably hazardous. An analysis of accidents at traffic signals has shown that the accident rate at blacked-out sites is more than 15 times higher than at sites where the signals are operating normally. This paper is concerned with a study of methods of improving the intrinsic safety of blacked-out traffic signal sites. Alternatives which are examined include police control, permanent priority signs and various modes of flashing signal. Having regard to the high availability of the signal system, it can be shown that only low-cost measures can be economically justified (a). (TRRL)

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• Availability:
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• Corporate Authors:

  ARRB

  Melbourne, Victoria  Australia 
• Authors:
  • Moore, S E
  • HULSCHER, F R
• Publication Date: 1985-3

Media Info

• Features: Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: p. 9-19
• Serial:
  • Australian Road Research
  • Volume: 15
  • Issue Number: 1
  • Publisher: ARRB
  • ISSN: 0005-0164

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Building; Crash rates; Facilities; Failure; Flashing traffic signals; Improvements; Installation; Intersections; Mechanical failure; Police traffic services; Safety; Traffic safety; Traffic signals; Traffic signs; Unsignalized intersections
• Geographic Terms: Australia
• ITRD Terms: 1612: Accident rate; 8006: Australia; 5520: Failure; 514: Flashing light; 9108: Improvement; 455: Junction; 1665: Safety; 553: Traffic sign; 565: Traffic signal; 457: Uncontrolled junction
• Subject Areas: Construction; Highways; Maintenance and Preservation; Operations and Traffic Management; Safety and Human Factors; I73: Traffic Control; I85: Safety Devices used in Transport Infrastructure;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00451004
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: ARRB
• Files: ITRD, TRIS
• Created Date: Aug 27 2004 9:57PM