Normal Deceleration Behavior of Passenger Vehicles at Stop Sign-Controlled Intersections Evaluated with In-Vehicle Global Positioning System Data

Abstract

Deceleration characteristics of passenger cars are often used in traffic simulation, vehicle fuel consumption and emissions models, and intersection and deceleration-lane design. Most previous studies collected spot speed data with detectors or radar guns. Because of the limitations of the data collection methods, these studies could not determine when and where drivers began to decelerate. Therefore, the studies may not provide an accurate estimation of deceleration time and distance. Furthermore, most previous studies are based on outdated and limited data, and their conclusions may not be applicable to the current vehicle fleet and drivers. The normal deceleration behavior of current passenger vehicles is evaluated at stop sign-controlled intersections on urban streets on the basis of in-vehicle Global Positioning System data. This study determined that drivers with higher approach speeds decelerated over a longer time and distance. Higher initial deceleration rates were also associated with higher app...