Entry Speed of Vehicle Running Yellow Light at Signalized Intersection in Harbin, China

Abstract

A few studies have proposed the notion of deploying automated speed photo enforcement at signalized intersections to deter drivers from intentionally running yellow lights. An appropriate speed limit is the critical determinant for automated speed photo enforcement, but this has rarely been explored. Hence, this study attempts to investigate the speeds of vehicles entering the intersection after yellow onset. Data used for the analysis were collected via field observation from eleven high-speed signalized intersections in Harbin, China. Statistical hypothesis testing was performed. The results show that entry speeds are lower than the posted speed limit and follow normal distribution with a unimodal curve. The posted speed limit, through lane number, land position and width, vehicle type, peak period, and free flow condition significantly impact entry speed. These findings imply that setting up a speed limit for preventing deliberately violating yellow light should consider the entry speed and its influential factors.