PATTERN OF PLATOON DISPERSION DUE TO DRIVER BEHAVIOR AT SIGNALIZED INTERSECTIONS

Abstract

With evidence of decrease in efficient flow portraying induced discharge flow pattern at

signalized intersections mainly due to the drivers behaviours, the research provides empirical

evaluation into the most conspicuous behaviours especially phone distractions and traffic

violations along the subject approaches of three distinct signalized intersections within Kano

Metropolis along three dual three-lane motorways. The research employed field observational

method to assess the impacts of drivers’ behavior of cell-phone usages and traffic violations

through green duration. It was observed after analysis; the highest distractive behaviour by

drivers is use of cell-phone gulping SLT of 0.3-0.5 seconds against 0.1- 0.8 seconds of other

activities or more respectively, constituting more than half capacity loss of the traffic. The

headway of the traffic is impacted by an increase in 1 seconds for a single cell-phone user which

posed a stabilizing effect with varying increase of 0.3 seconds when other any mix of activities

are added. This concludes a variety of driver behavior having impact in different manner on the

integrity of the traffic. The models provided may help researchers, practitioners, and policy

makers among other stakeholders in formulating and employing various interventions and

strategies to a more cordially, safe, effective and efficient traffic operations within and beyond

signalized intersections. Better signal timing and social intervention is recommended to be

appropriated. Whilst the data collection methodology and modeling should be minutely extended

which would enhance the results along with other relevant researches.