Characterization of Driver Perception Reaction Time at the Onset of a Yellow Indication

Abstract

The research presented in this paper characterizes driver perception-reaction times (PRTs) in a controlled field environment at the onset of a yellow-indication transition in high-speed signalized intersection approaches. The study characterized the impact of driver gender, driver age, roadway grade, mean approach speed, platooning scenarios (leading, following, or alone), and time-to-intersection (TTI) on the driver PRT. This characterization is critical for the efficient and safe design of traffic signal clearance timings. The study demonstrates that the driver PRT is higher for female and older drivers (60 + age group) as compared to male and younger drivers. The PRT is larger when vehicles travel along an upgrade section. Driver PRTs are typically higher if they are following a vehicle that runs a yellow light. Furthermore, driver PRTs decrease when they are followed by another vehicle. Finally, driver PRTs increase as the TTI at the onset of the yellow interval increases.