Investigating the all-red-light violation and the increase in front-to-side crashes at signalized intersections

Abstract

Background. Red-light violations (RLV) cause thousands of injuries and fatalities annually. All red lights are when all the traffic lights are red and require the evacuation of the intersection. In Iran, drivers disregard their approach’s signals, leading to serious front-to-side collisions. This study examined the violation relationship with traffic parameters and presented strategies for preventing front-to-side crashes at signalized intersections. Methods. Field data from 11 signalized intersections in Tabriz with a total of 27 approaches and various traffic and geometric characteristics were used for this study in order to determine factors influencing all RLVs. Results. The findings indicated that the risk of all RLVs increased with the red-light time variable in each approach. In addition, the risk of all RLVs was greater when the width of the approach and the number of vehicles in the first queue were lower. The variable of the left-turn type was also significant in the model and demonstrated that if the left-turn type is permitted, the risk of all RLVs would be higher. Conclusion. The results of this study can be used to prioritize the installation of cameras for crossing the stop line during red lights at intersections. Practical Implications. The location of adjacent traffic lights and pedestrian signal lights should be designed in such a way that they are not in the direct view of drivers and that they do not follow the changes in the adjacent approach traffic lights and start moving when the approach light turns green.

Keywords

• front-to-side crash
• signalized intersection
• all red light
• traffic