@article{ref1,
title="Evaluation of left-turn lane offset using the naturalistic driving study data",
journal="Journal of safety research",
year="2015",
author="Hutton, Jessica M. and Bauer, Karin M. and Fees, Chris A. and Smiley, Alison",
volume="54",
number="",
pages="5.e1.15-5.e1.15",
abstract="INTRODUCTION: The Strategic Highway Research Program 2 (SHRP 2) Naturalistic Driving Study (NDS) data were used to evaluate gap acceptance behavior of drivers at left-turn lanes with negative, zero, or positive offsets ranging from -29ft to +6ft. The objectives of the study were to develop guidance for the design of offset left-turn lanes used as a safety countermeasure, and to provide insight regarding the use of the NDS data to future users. <br><br>METHOD: The study included 3350 gaps in opposing traffic evaluated by 145 NDS volunteer drivers and 275 non-NDS drivers at 14 two-way stop-controlled intersections and 44 signalized opposing left-turn pairs. Logistic regression was used to model the critical gap length for drivers as a function of offset, under conditions when their view was either blocked or not by an opposing left-turning driver. <br><br>RESULTS: The analysis found that the critical gap was longer at left-turn lanes with negative offsets than at those with zero or positive offsets, and was also longer when sight distance was blocked by an opposing left-turning vehicle. Sight distance was much more likely to be restricted by an opposing left-turning vehicle at negative-offset and drivers at those intersections were less likely to accept a gap when an opposing left-turn driver was present. <br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Longer gap lengths could potentially result in decreased operational efficiency of an intersection. In addition, drivers making left-turns at negative-offset left-turn lanes are, on average, more likely to leave the shortest amount of time between their turn and the arrival of the next opposing through-vehicle, which may present a potential safety concern. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: The findings provide guidance for highway designers considering using offset left-turn lanes as a crash countermeasure. This research also highlights the benefits and limitations of using the SHRP 2 NDS data to answer similar research questions.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="0022-4375",
doi="10.1016/j.jsr.2015.06.016",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jsr.2015.06.016"
}