Citation

Costello SB. Traffic Eng. Control 2003; 44(11): 409-410.

Affiliation

University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2003, Hemming Group)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

This paper describes a study of over 400 vehicles moving from rest having been held in a queue at a signalised intersection. The aim of the study was to understand drivers' starting behaviour and to obtain an insight into what actually prompts a driver to move off. The findings of the study suggest that the driver waits until the vehicle in front is a certain 'safe distance' ahead before reacting and moving off. It appears that neither position in the traffic queue nor differences in site characteristics influence this behaviour. Interestingly the classification of the vehicle in front does appear to be an influencing factor manifesting itself in a greater 'safe distance' when the vehicle is a truck.