Flashing green effects on traffic efficiency

Abstract

Flashing green signal, as a part of the green traffic signal, indicates that the green signal is about to end. Drivers have more time to decide whether to stop or pass the intersection since they have prior information that the yellow signal will start. The application of flashing green at the end of the green signal is optional, hence, the question is how engineers could decide to use flashing green or not? The answer to the question should be based on researches on flashing green effects on traffic efficiency and safety at signalized intersections. The aim of this paper is to analyze the impact of flashing green on traffic efficiency by determining the value of effective green time. The research was conducted at two intersections in Belgrade, with and without a flashing green signal. Results indicate that effective green is shorter when flashing green is applied, due to the decreased utilization of the yellow signal.