Pedestrian–Vehicle Interaction Analysis Based on Concept of Dynamic Straight-Right Lane at Signalized Intersection

Abstract

Straight-right mixed lanes are common in urban signalized intersections. Right-turning vehicles during green light will conflict with pedestrians, increasing the risk to pedestrian safety. In addition, right-turning vehicles cannot pass the intersection during the red light, which seriously affects the saturation rate of the traffic flow. To solve the above problems, this paper proposes dynamic straight-right lane (DSRL) design scheme that is able to separate straight-through and right-turning vehicles in time and space. Based on the driving characteristics of right-turning vehicles, the operating rules for DSRL have been established. Combined with the intersection design, DSRL control strategy is proposed under the linkage of intersection traffic light and pre-signals. By studying the pedestrian crossing characteristics, the conflict between right-turning vehicles entering the intersection and crossing pedestrians is analyzed under the DSRL. Vehicle delays and traffic capacity are quantified under the DSRL on the basis of vehicle operating rules. The vehicle delay model is tested using SUMO simulation software to prove the validity of the model proposed in this paper. Finally, the simulation environment based on real intersections was set up using MATLAB and sensitivity analyses of the main impact parameters were carried out. It has been experimentally demonstrated that the DSRL not only effectively reduces the delay of both straight-through and right-turning vehicles, but also improves the actual capacity of the lane. In addition, the DSRL reduces conflicts between right-turning vehicles and pedestrians crossing the street. The experimental results can effectively prove that the DSRL can improve the traffic efficiency of vehicle and ensure the safety of pedestrians.