Chapter 19 - Running Traffic Controls

Abstract

Running traffic controls is a substantial contributing factor to large numbers of fatal and serious injury crashes that occur at signalized and stop sign-controlled intersections. Conflicts between road users and associated collisions are controlled—but not eliminated—through the use of traffic signals and stop signs, which regulate the entry of road users into intersections. High levels of voluntary compliance with traffic control devices such as traffic signals and stop signs are essential to maintain safe and orderly flow at intersections. Drivers who either deliberately or inadvertently disregard requirements to stop for red lights or fail to comply with stop sign requirements put themselves and other road users at a risk of serious injury crashes. In addition to field studies that have quantified the frequency of traffic control violations, a number of studies have examined characteristics of drivers observed running red lights. In contrast to the notion that red light running and stop sign violations are caused by poorly timed traffic lights and illegible stop signs, the findings of driver characteristics studies reveal that running of traffic controls is associated with drivers who have distinct demographic and behavioral patterns. Distinguishing characteristics of traffic control violators, as a group, include relatively young driver age, lack of seat belt use, and poor driving records.