Analysing drivers’ stop and go decisions in dilemma zones at signalised intersections

Abstract

Drivers usually experience dilemmas in stopping or crossing at the end of a green phase or the first seconds of a red phase. These decisions could be the function of drivers’ behaviour. The severity of drivers’ behaviour while crossing intersections can be related to different factors such as traffic, environment and geometric conditions of the intersection. The primary objective of this study is to identify and analyse drivers’ behaviour while crossing signalised intersections. The required data were collected from four signalised intersections in Qazvin, Iran using video surveillance cameras in peak and off-peak hours and also in rainy and sunny weather conditions. More than 700 samples were observed, and drivers’ crossing behaviours were analysed using ordered and multinomial logit models after the onset of each yellow phase. The results showed that the speed of drivers who crossed during red and yellow phases was 39% and 13%, respectively, greater than drivers who stopped at this interval. The results indicated that the waiting time and the traffic volume at each red phase increase the driver's go decision when crossing the intersection. Furthermore, it was found that, in more congested conditions, the likelihood of crossing at yellow and red phases increases.