Evaluation of Driver Deceleration Behavior at Signalized Intersections

Abstract

This study analyzes field data gathered from 60 test subjects to characterize driver deceleration rates at the onset of a yellow-phase transition on high-speed signalized intersection approaches using an in-vehicle Global Positioning System. The driver rate of deceleration is analyzed for five yellow-phase trigger times to stop line (1.6, 2.7, 3.3, 4.4, and 5.6 s) as drivers approach the intersection at a speed of 72 km/h (45 mph). Results of the study, based on a sample of 821 deceleration events, indicate that driver deceleration rates range between 1.51 and 7.47 m/s² (5–24.5 ft/s²) with a mean value of 3.27 m/s² (10.7 ft/s²). Mean deceleration rates varying from 2.2 m/s² (7.2 ft/s²) for the longest time to stop line (5.6 s) to 5.9 m/s² (19.4 ft/s²) for the shortest time to stop line (1.6 s) demonstrate that drivers use more time to decelerate if they are sufficiently away from the intersection. Statistical analyses were used to investigate the effects of the time to stop line, gender, age group, and grade on the average deceleration rates. Results demonstrate that male drivers appear to show slightly higher rates of deceleration when compared with female drivers. This difference increases as the trigger time to stop line decreases. Younger drivers (younger than 40 years old) and older drivers (60 years of age or older) exhibit greater deceleration rates when compared with drivers in the 40- to 59-year age group.

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