Innovative countermeasures for red light running prevention at signalized intersections: A driving simulator study

Area of Science:

• Traffic Engineering
• Road Safety
• Human Factors in Transportation

Background:

• The change interval at signalized intersections is critical for driver decision-making and preventing crashes.
• Red light running and inconsistent stopping behavior pose significant risks for angular and rear-end collisions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of innovative countermeasures in preventing red light running.
• To assess the impact of these countermeasures on safe stopping behavior at signalized intersections.

Main Methods:

• A controlled experiment with 67 drivers tested five conditions: default signal, flashing green (F-green), red LED ground lights (R-LED), countdown variable message sign (C-VMS), and red light running detection camera warning gantry (RW-gantry).
• Participants were exposed to scenarios in the indecision zone and likely stopping zone.
• Logistic regression and linear mixed models analyzed the data.

Main Results:

• Red LED ground lights (R-LED) significantly reduced the probability of red light running.
• Flashing green signals led to inconsistent stopping behavior.
• Increased speed at the yellow interval onset significantly increased red light running probability by 5.3%.

Conclusions:

• Red LED ground lights (R-LED) are the most effective solution for preventing red light running and promoting consistent stopping behavior.
• R-LED and RW-gantry treatments are recommended for improving signalized intersection safety.