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Citation |
Al-Kaisy A, Roefaro S, Veneziano D. J. Transp. Saf. Secur. 2012; 4(1): 19-34. |
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Copyright |
(Copyright © 2012, Southeastern Transportation Center, and Beijing Jiaotong University, Publisher Informa - Taylor and Francis Group) |
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DOI |
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PMID |
unavailable |
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Abstract |
This article presents an investigation into the driver's behavior at channelized right-turn lanes using raised (curbed) islands, where an exclusive signal control is used for the channelized traffic movement. Three study sites in the cities of Belgrade and Bozeman in southwest Montana were investigated in this study. A literature review revealed an overall lack of knowledge concerning the operational and safety aspects of channelized right-turn lanes, especially concerning which type of traffic control is used. This may explain, to a large extent, the lack of guidance in practice and the broad range of behaviors demonstrated by drivers during this investigation. The three study sites were observed using surveillance cameras on mobile traffic-monitoring trailers with data collection duration of 5 days at each location. The results of the investigation showed that more than one half of the drivers using the channelized turn lane treated the traffic signal as a yield control, whereas only a very small percentage of drivers treated the situation as a signal control. Further, statistical analyses confirmed that drivers' treatment of control is influenced by time of day, vehicle type, and traffic volume. The study emphasizes the need for further research into the safety and operational aspects of this right-turn treatment at intersections. |