Texas has become the second most populous state in America, and population growth continues at a rapid pace. Consequently, traffic signals are being installed more frequently at high-speed, high-growth rural intersections because of higher traffic volumes. Most of these new signalised intersections have posted speed limits above 50 mph and, in some instances, up to 70 mph. One major difficulty with traffic signal operation on high-speed approaches is the dilemma approaching motorists face when the traffic signal indication turns yellow. Should the motorists stop or proceed through the intersection? Crashes occurring at these intersections result in considerable property damage and personal injury due to the high speeds involved. The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) sponsored this project to design and test the use of advance flashing beacons and/ or other methods to provide advance warning to motorists of the end-of-green signal phase and thereby eliminate the dilemma and sudden braking. The development of such warning devices would reduce the number of crashes, reduce pavement damage due to sudden braking, and reduce or eliminate driver dilemma upon approaching a high-speed signalised intersection. (Author/publisher)
Abstract