The effects of intersection collision warning systems on gap selection and stopping characteristics

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2015-01-01
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Holtzman, Mitchell
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Shauna L. Hallmark
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Altmetrics
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Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering
Abstract

Over 8,500 fatalities occurred in the United States at intersections, or were intersection-related representing almost one-quarter of fatalities. Given the small percentage of roadway that intersections represent, the design of intersections provides a distinct challenge concerning safety, especially when poor sight vision is present. There has been a correlation found between smaller gap acceptance and crashes at intersections. Warning systems have been found to be an effective way to stop vehicles at intersections and identify acceptable gaps.

The Minnesota Department of Transportation installed an intersection collision warning system at select two-way stop-controlled intersections throughout the state in spring of 2015. The following study looks at changes in driving behavior resulting from the installation of the ICWS at the installation sites and nearby intersections that display similar traits. The metrics studied include the rate at which vehicles stop at the intersection, the location of stopping, and the gap acceptance.

The findings support the claim that cameras are effective in stopping vehicles at the intersections of installation. The stopping rate study saw an increase of 4.88% to 5.26% at treatment locations. The findings of the stopping location and gap selection studies were generally inconclusive. No treatment site displayed a significant increase in gap rejection rate.

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Thu Jan 01 00:00:00 UTC 2015