Citation

Eustace D, Griffin V, Hovey P. ITE J. 2010; 80(4): 22-27.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2010, Institute of Transportation Engineers)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Converting incandescent bulbs in traffic signals to light emitting diodes (LEDs) can improve energy efficiency and service life. This study examines if this conversion can also improve traffic safety. Empirical Bayes estimation was used to determine whether there was a noticeable decrease in crashes at 10 signalized intersections in Middletown, Ohio, that have been converted to LED signals. The findings indicate the total number of crashes actually increased after the installation of LEDs by about 71 percent. Additional studies are recommended to investigate if LED traffic signals truly are having an undesirable impact on intersection safety.