ILLEGAL DRIVER BEHAVIOR AT SIGNALIZED INTERSECTIONS

Abstract

This paper deals with two common driving offensive cases at signalized intersections: 1- The sudden change in lane on the beginning of the green interval to pass the intersection using the right turning lane. 2- The forced emerging through queued vehicles passing T intersection on the through approach, always green lane.

The objective of this study is to observe and count the percentages of those impatientdrivers on four intersections during peak hour period. The data was collected within Duhok city at two intersections, for each of the above mentioned cases. Video camera was used to collect the flow of vehicles in each case. Traffic counting was carried out on the video using the laptop keys and EVENT computer program. Peak hour period for the four intersections was (5:00pm -6:00pm) according to a comprehensive previous study for traffic in Duhok city.

The total hourly traffic flow was collected on the diagnosed approach. The percentage of the offensive drivers was collected relative to the total traffic flow at the approach during the same period.

For the first case, the analyses of data shows that: The percentage of offensive vehicles to the total flow of the approach was 11% at Bira intersection. Larger rate was noticed at Mam intersection reaching 27%. Adding painted street markers did not change the tendency to break the regulations.

For the second case, the data was collected at two intersections, namely Safin, and Sulav. The percentage of the offensive vehicles was within 20% for the two intersections.

Off peak period observations did not show any obvious change in drivers behavior