Some protected left-turn phasing has been replaced with a flashing yellow arrow (FYA) for protected/permissive left turns. It is important to understand the conflict between pedestrians and the left-turning vehicle. This report summarizes research using a high-fidelity, motion-based driving simulator and eye-tracking equipment to study the effects of opposing traffic, the number and vector of pedestrians, and the number of section heads displaying the FYA on driver performance. 27 subjects completed a six-intersection course, allowing analysis of 620 left-turn maneuvers. More pedestrians led drivers to focus more on crossing pedestrians; with more opposing vehicles, drivers focused less on pedestrians; 5-11%%%% of drivers did not focus on pedestrians in the crosswalk; and no difference was found between any variable and the presence of a three- or four-section head. The results suggest it may be desirable to limit the FYA when pedestrians are present, and that the cost of four-section heads is not justified.
Details
- Publication Date
- Apr 19, 2013
- Language
- English
- Category
- Engineering
- Copyright
- All Rights Reserved - Standard Copyright License
- Contributors
- By (author): Chris Monsere, By (author): David Hurwitz
Specifications
- Format