Influence of Advance Amber Light on Red Light Running at Signalized Intersections: A Novel of Two-Tier Traffic Control Signal Approach

Two-tier traffic control signals (2TCSs) are made up of first traffic control signal (advance amber lights) and second traffic control signal (stop and go lights) spaced at an appropriately predetermined distance apart. The paper investigated the influence of advance amber lights on red light running at signalised intersections where the probability of red light running (RLR) is a measure of 2TCSs' effectiveness. The paper used observational data because most researchers recognize observational data over simulator data when investigating driver behaviour. Data for the two scenarios (two-tier traffic control signal and traditional traffic control signal) were collected at four signalised intersections in Durban, South Africa. A stochastic model was used to determine the probability of RLR. Results show a significant decrease in the probability of RLR under a two-tier traffic control signals. Based on the synthesis of evidence obtained from the stochastic relationship between red-light running and two-tier traffic control signal, the paper concluded that two-tier traffic control signals have significant positive influence on red light running at signalised intersections. Further, the two-tier traffic control signals are more effective at minimising red light running than the traditional traffic control signals in operation at signalised intersections worldwide.