Evaluation of Two Treatments for Reducing Crashes Related to Traffic Signal Change Intervals

Abstract

Two related evaluation studies that were conducted under NCHRP Project 17–35 are presented. The research objective was to use the most appropriate analytical methods and the best available data to build on previous research in developing crash modification factors (CMFs) for two treatments for reducing crashes related to traffic signal change intervals: modifying the change interval and installing dynamic signal warning flashers. Three evaluation methods were used as appropriate—the empirical Bayes before–after method, the comparison group before–after method, and cross-sectional multiple regression models. A secondary objective of using cross-sectional models for some evaluations was to examine the comparability of before–after and cross-sectional studies, a subject of topical interest in CMF development. There was a general safety benefit to installing dynamic signal warning flashers, with indications that crash reductions could be obtained overall and for several crash types, including injury, angle, and heavy-vehicle crashes. For the change-interval modification, the before–after study results showed significant reductions (at the 5% level) in total, injury, and rear-end crashes under various scenarios. For both treatments, the results from the cross-sectional analysis were relatively consistent with those from the before–after analysis.