Simulating unsignalized intersection right-of-way

Abstract

Right-of-way prioritization at unsignalized intersections has been largely unexplored. Drivers do not always use consistent methods to determine who has the right-of-way to enter the intersection at unsignalized intersections. Problems with right-of-way assumptions include that not all drivers engage in one set algorithm to assess intersections priority, and issues of yielding can occur when drivers arrive at an intersection simultaneously or near-simultaneously. A discrete event simulation model was built to emulate a 4-way stop-signed intersection; and different prioritization rules were instated to determine which lane has right-of way. First-in-first-out and yield-to-right prioritization methods were found to differ in terms of time spent waiting and traveling through the intersection, as well as intersection throughput for different intervals of high traffic volume. The first-in-first-out prioritization algorithm provided superior service to drivers arriving at an intersection, compared to the traditional yield-to-right approach, in both low-and high-traffic volume conditions.