Abstract:
Gap acceptance behavior is critical to the safety and operational performance of unsignalized intersections. The complex nature of the human behavior and its dependence on various socioeconomic and environmental parameters makes it challenging for transportation professionals to assess the performance of such intersections. To investigate the behavioral patterns of drivers at unsignalized intersections, a novel procedure was developed and validated for the accurate observation of naturalistic gap acceptance behavior. Specifically, the authors examined two-way stop-controlled (TWSC) intersections with a two way left turn lane (TWLTL) on the major road. After examining the critical gap and identifying behavioral changes caused by waiting time, time of day, presence of passengers, and presence of queue, the authors further investigated the relationship between waiting time and gap acceptance and analyzed the variations in waiting time for right and left turn maneuvers. The results of this study reinforce the notion that driver behavior is affected by external factors such as waiting time, time of day, presence of passengers, presence of queue, etc. and should continue to be investigated in localities across the country.
