Research Projects
Impacts of Red Light Cameras on Drivers' Behavior
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In this part of the project, I investigated the effect of RLC on drivers’ stopping behavior at signalized intersections. Field observations were conducted for 4 hours during peak period at each intersection in Auburn-Opelika, AL, one year after the cameras were operational. A total of 1,613 traffic signal phases and 2,391 drivers’ response data was collected to estimate the amount of clearance time typically used by drivers. Results revealed that the stopping behavior increased following the installation of RLCs. The clearance time used by drivers approaching an RLC was estimated to be one-half second shorter than at intersections without RLCs. The method applied in this study is informative for evaluating the effect of enforcement cameras on driver’s behavior even when access to the before RCL data is not available.
Impacts of Red Light Cameras on Intersection Operation
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Analyzing the collected field data, I found the estimated Clearance Lost Time (CLT) at the approach with a Red Light Camera is approximately 2.7 seconds longer than the default value presented by HCM and about 1.1 seconds longer than the one estimated by ALDOT method. I also estimated the delay effect of the change in driver behavior on intersection operation using the Highway Capacity Software. The findings suggest that the more saturated the traffic conditions, the greater the delay incurred by RLCs.
Before-After Crash Analysis
In this project I am investigating the effect of RLCs on crash reduction at four intersections in Opelika, Al. Crash data are exported from CARE (Critical Analysis Reporting Environment) database and software and revieweing the crash report hardcopies. To get more information about how to download and use CARE, see here.
Evaluation of Red Light Cameras Safety Improvement Program
Starting from January 2014 and funded by Highway Research Center (HRC) Advisory Committee in Auburn University.
Preventing Vehicle Departure from Roadways
starting at Aug 2014 to Dec 2014, funded by American Traffic Safety Services Association (ATSSA).
Investigating the effect of Geometric Design on Red Light Running (RLR) Crashes in Alabama
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In this study I have investigated geometric design characteristics at the signalized intersections in Alabama, which are accident prone, to investigate how Red Light Running crashes differ from other types of crashes occurring at the signalized intersections from the viewpoint of geometric design characteristics.
In this part of the project, we were preparing a booklet which includes 14 Countermeasures in three parts for ATSSA that focuses on the roadway infrastructure safety and cost-effective improvements to mitigate the run-off-road crashes and to prevent vehicle departures from roadways. Three parts are: signs, pavement, and roadside design. 15 potential case studies for each countermeasure were reviewed.
A Study of Wrong-Way Driving Crashes in Alabama
starting at Jan 2014 to Dec 2015, funded by Alabama Department of Transportation.
In this part of the project, we provide guidance for implementing traditional and advanced safety countermeasures to achieve a significant reduction in the number of WWD incidents and crashes on freeways in Alabama State.
In this project I was conducting usRAP studies for three selected Illinois Counties: McHenry, Lake and Will. The part of project I was mainly involved was obtaining data on safety-related roadway characteristics needed to develop star ratings and safer roads investment plans in accordance with usRAP protocols for the roadways included in the study networks. Our team in the Southern Illinois University obtained available roadway videos and reviewed those videos to code data needed for usRAP star rating and safer roads investment plans.
usRAP Studies for County Roads in Seven Illinois Counties, Phase I.
starting at April 2013 to October 2013. Funded from Illinois Center of Transportation.
Member Business Opportunities in Intelligent Transportation Systems
Starting from March 2016 and funded by American Traffic Safety Services Association (ATSSA)
In this study the business opportunities and challenges that ATSSA members might face with the emergence of the Connected Vehicles (CV) and Autonomous Vehicles (AV) technologies. I have assisted in collecting references on the basics of ITS technologies as they relate to the deployment of Vehicle to Infrastructure (V2I), as well as the existing and ongoing efforts for the emergence of connected and automated vehicle technology. Furthermore, a more comprehensive literature review is being conducted to provide an overview of the latest existing technologies (e.g., sensors) that are essential to the success of the Connected Vehicles/Autonomous Vehicles. I also collaborate with other researchers to determine the future needs of Connected Vehicles/Autonomous Vehicles technologies, identify the future marketplace for ATSSA member companies, and provide appropriate recommendations for business opportunities. These recommendations encompass several components such as pavement marking requirements, signage considerations, and sensor technologies.
