TOOLBOX ON INTERSECTION SAFETY AND DESIGN: TRAFFIC SIGNAL OPERATIONS

Traffic signals can be an effective intersection traffic control device only when they elicit the appropriate sequence of behavior by drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists. This paper, from a set of conference proceedings on Intersection Safety: Achieving Solutions Through Partnerships (March 2004, Irvine, California), reviews the benefits and disadvantages of traffic signals, and outlines the appropriate steps to incorporating traffic signals in an intersection. The author stresses that the signal indications must first be detected in its environment, which may be visually complex. The signal indications must then be perceived and understood in sufficient time to allow the user to make decisions and safely perform necessary maneuvers. The author discusses the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) from the Federal Highway Administration; traffic signal control modes of operation, including pre-timed control, traffic-actuated control, and density control; traffic signal phasing, including left-turn phasing, delay, capacity, and phasing to reduce pedestrian conflicts; signal preemption; flashing operation; cycle length; phase change intervals, including green intervals and pedestrian intervals; controller settings and detection for dilemma zone protection; active warning signs for high-speed approaches; design and enforcement to reduce red-light running; visibility requirements, including treatments to improve signal visibility and conspicuity; and guidelines for signal removal. The author reiterates that traffic control signals, if properly designed and installed, can be expected to reduce the frequency and severity of a number of different types of crashes.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/isbn/0935403825
• Supplemental Notes:
  • Full conference proceedings available on CD-ROM.
• Corporate Authors:

  Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE)

  Washington, DC  United States 
• Authors:
  • Seyfried, R K
• Conference:
  • Intersection Safety: Achieving Solutions Through Partnerships
  • Location: Irvine, California
  • Date: 2004-3-28 to 2004-3-31
• Publication Date: 2004

Language

• English

Media Info

• Features: Figures; Photos; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 73p

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Conferences; Crash causes; Flashing traffic signals; Intersections; Pedestrians; Traffic actuated controllers; Traffic control devices; Traffic signal phases; Traffic signal timing; Traffic signals; Visibility
• Identifier Terms: Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices; U.S. Federal Highway Administration
• Subject Areas: Highways; Operations and Traffic Management; Pedestrians and Bicyclists; Safety and Human Factors; I73: Traffic Control;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00988928
• Record Type: Publication
• ISBN: 0935403825
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Apr 15 2005 12:00AM