Citation

Barbaresso J. ITE J. 1987; 57(8): 41-46.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1987, Institute of Transportation Engineers)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Flashing traffic signals during off-peak nighttime periods was studied to determine the following: (1) effects on accident experience; (2) levels of accident experience under different conditions and different signal operations; and (3) criteria for signal operation during off-peak nighttime hours. The first stage of the 2-phase study was a before-and-after analysis of accidents at six 4-legged intersections where the hours of flashing operation had been either curtailed or eliminated. The next phase consisted of a comparative analysis of accidents at intersections categorized by signal operation, intersection type, and by functional classification of the intersecting roadways. The results indicate that right-angle accidents are significantly overrepresented at 4-legged arterial intersections when signals are in flashing mode during nighttime hours. Other related factors are also noted. These should be major factors in criteria for eliminating flashing signal operation.