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A COMPREHENSIVE APPROACH for solving the RED LIGHT RUNNING PROBLEM

A COMPREHENSIVE APPROACH for solving the RED LIGHT RUNNING PROBLEM. Presented by: Daniel E. Shamo, P.E. Senior ITS Engineer URS Corporation –Indianapolis, IN. The RLR Epidemic!. Annual Statistics… 168,000 injured 854 fatalities Economic loss of $14 billion

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A COMPREHENSIVE APPROACH for solving the RED LIGHT RUNNING PROBLEM

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  1. A COMPREHENSIVE APPROACH for solving the RED LIGHT RUNNING PROBLEM Presented by: Daniel E. Shamo, P.E. Senior ITS Engineer URS Corporation –Indianapolis, IN

  2. The RLR Epidemic! Annual Statistics… • 168,000 injured • 854 fatalities • Economic loss of $14 billion Source: NHTSA 2004, FHWA 2003 Statistics

  3. RLR Underlying Causes Driver Behavior • Inattentiveness (44%) • Intentional violations (33%) • Confusion (15%) • Vehicle problem/environmental condition (6%) Source: FHWA unpublished study by BMI

  4. RLR Underlying Causes (cont’d) Intersection Characteristics • Poor traffic signal indication visibility • Inadequate intersection capacity • Downhill approaches • Sight obstructions

  5. RLR Underlying Causes (cont’d) Traffic Signal Timing Issues • “Unpredictable” traffic signal indications • Improper change intervals (yellow, red) • Poor signal progression

  6. NHTSA and FHWA “… support a comprehensive approach to intersection safety that incorporates engineering, education, and enforcement countermeasures to prevent red light running and improve intersection safety.” - Red Light Systems Operational Guidelines, FHWA, January 2005

  7. The Automated Enforcement Remedy Violations Detected Using Cameras Images recorded Vehicle information processed Tickets issued in the mail

  8. Automated Enforcement Issues • Very unpopular due to privacy concerns • Car owner gets ticket, not offender • Equipment is specialized and expensive • Often seen as a revenue stream • Requires legislation • Overlooks potential engineering solutions • Increases rear end collisions

  9. A Comprehensive Approach Identify candidate intersections Install low cost RLR monitors Measure existing compliance rates Seek site-specific engineering solutions Evaluate countermeasures

  10. A Comprehensive Approach (Cont'd) • If problem is not resolved, or engineering solutions are too costly then… Conduct selective human enforcement Periodically monitor compliance Use automated enforcement as last resort

  11. Benefits of the Comprehensive Approach • No video is recorded • Tickets in the mail are a last resort • Equipment is lower cost • Does not require legislation

  12. Benefits of the Comprehensive Approach • Easier to install • Countermeasures can be evaluated quickly • Enhances traditional enforcement resources

  13. ‘Comprehensive Approach’ Goals • To reduce right angle collisions • To improve red light compliance • To increase enforcement effectiveness • To develop a performance measure

  14. Engineering Solutions General Categories: • Signal visibility/conspicuity • Signal timing/coordination • Sight distances • Other traffic control devices • Improved driver expectancies

  15. Engineering Solutions Improving signal visibility • Number of signal heads • Placement of signal heads

  16. Engineering Solutions Improving signal conspicuity • LED lenses • Backplates • Red redundancy

  17. Engineering Solutions Improve signal timing/coordination • Signal optimization • Signal cycle length • Yellow change interval • Red clearance interval

  18. Engineering Solutions Improve other traffic control devices • Advanced warning flasher • Rumble strips

  19. Engineering Solutions Improve driver expectancies • Remove unwarranted traffic signals • Eliminate night flashing mode • All -Way Red Flash for malfunction mode • Improve pavement surface condition

  20. Summary of the Comprehensive Approach • Install RLR monitoring equipment • Focus on root causes • Implement countermeasures • Monitor RLR compliance after changes • Selective enforcement with media campaign • Implement automated enforcement (a last resort if nothing else works)

  21. Potential Research Concepts • Investigate ‘Depth of Red’ correlation with crash rates • Develop crash prediction tools • Develop user-friendly in-vehicle equipment to enhance enforcement efforts • Use RLR studies to optimize clearance intervals • Move towards self programming signal controller

  22. Sample Scheduling Report for Local Police (Selective Enforcement Program)

  23. For More Information, Contact… Dan Shamo, PE URS Corporation One Indiana Square, Suite 2100 Indianapolis, IN 46204 (317) 532-5423 dan_shamo@urscorp.com

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