Analyzing dilemma driver behavior at signalized intersection under mixed traffic conditions

Abstract

Intersections are important node points in the road network, ensuring safe and efficient way of maneuvering the traffic. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MORTH) reported in year 2016 that the highest number of road accidents in India happened at intersections accounting for nearly thirty seven percent (37%) of the total crashes that took place. Even though traffic signals are considered to be the most effective way of controlling the traffic, more than 4300 lost their lives at signalized intersections in India. One of the main contributing factor in traffic signal related crashes is the presence of dilemma zone, where a driver becomes indecisive whether to pass or stop at the intersection on the yellow onset. Significant amount of research has been done on the dilemma driver behavior under homogeneous traffic conditions, however little or no research has been found on mixed traffic conditions, where vehicles do vary in physical and dynamic characteristics. The main motive of this study is to investigate the factors influencing the driver behavior in dilemma zone at signalized approaches in India under mixed traffic conditions. Field data was collected at five signalized approaches using video capturing technique to investigate the driver behavior. Frame by frame manual extraction resulted in 1054 driver responses at the yellow onset and binary logistic regression model is developed to represent the observed behavior. Distance from stop line, vehicle’s approach speed and type of intersection were found to be important factors in drivers stop/go decisions. Vehicle type, which is a characteristic of mixed traffic conditions is found to have a significant impact on the driver’s decision at the onset of yellow. The insights from this study findings can be used to enhance the safety and performance of signalized intersections in developing countries.