Citation

ITE J. 1989; 59(7): 27-32.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1989, Institute of Transportation Engineers)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

This is the report of the committee charged with evaluating the various proposed methods for determining and applying vehicle signal change intervals, and arriving at a consensus conclusion as to which is a valid and a usable approach. Conflicting reports were examined and accurate approaches were identified. The report recommends legal definitions for various aspects of the change interval and a defensible methodology for calculating and evaluating change intervals. The legal basis for the recommendations is the permissive yellow rule, which allows vehicles to enter the intersection on yellow. The basic application of this proposed recommended practice involves the use of a formula following a kinematic model of stopping behavior to determine the duration of the yellow warning interval. The report develops methodology that is defensible in a court of law; alows easy identification of violators; ensures that safety is considered superior to the desire for operational efficiency when signal timing objectives conflict; and avoids extensive and costly work, equipment, and other procedures.