Driver Behavior in Left-Turn and Other Two-Vehicle Crashes

Summary

This project advances the state of art in crash simulation by:

• (1) Conducting a field study to collect data on drivers' left-turn gap acceptance and turning times and developing statistical models that can be incorporated into a crash simulation model;
• (2) Using Markov Chain Monte Carlo computational tools to quantify uncertainty in planar impact reconstruction of two-vehicle crashes;
• (3) Developing a method for combing the results from planar impact reconstruction with event data recorder pre-crash data to estimate descriptive features of actual left-turn crashes. This was applied to several left-turn crashes from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's NASS/CDS database;
• (4) Developing a left-turn crash simulation model incorporating the above results. Initial model checking was performed using estimates from the reconstructed NASS/CDS cases as well as results from a previous study on left-turn crash risk. Also developed was a method for simulating crash modification effects without having to first simulate crashes as rare outcomes in very large numbers of gap acceptances.
• OST-R summary report for this project (PDF)
• Bayesian Uncertainty Quantification for Planar Impact Crashes via Markov Chain Monte Carlo Simulation - SAE International

Previous related projects:

• Development of Guidelines for Permitted Left Turn Phasing Using Flashing Yellow Arrows
  (2012)
• Field Study of Driver Behavior at Flashing Yellow Arrow vs Green Ball Permitted Left-Turn Indications
  (2011)
• Estimating the Crash Reduction and Vehicle Dynamics Effects of Flashing LED Stop Signs
  (2010)
• Using Detailed Signal and Detector Data to Investigate Intersection Crash Causation
  (2010)
• Development of Analysis Methods Using Recent Data
  (2007)
• The Role of Well-Designed Transportation Projects Enhancing Communities: Traffic Safety Methodologies
  (2006)
• Cross-Median Crashes-Identifications and Countermeasures
  (2006)
• Safety Effect of Left-Turn Phasing Schemes at High-Speed Intersections
  (2004)
• Development of a Vehicle/Pedestrian Collision Model to Support Neighborhood Traffic Control
  (1998)
• Impact of Traffic Safety Improvements
  (1996)