Driver`s Reaction Time Change with Additional Flickering Green Traffic Ligh

Abstract

This study was designed to test the reaction time of drivers when a green flickering light was used in addition to regular traffic signal. An experiment was performed to evaluate the additional green light attached on the three color and four color traffic light system. A simulated driving situation was constructed to test the driver’s responding behavior. Two and three second flickering time intervals were used to see the different response. It was found that the additional flickering green light significantly decreased the reaction time for braking when the yellow light was on compared to the present traffic light system. However, no difference was found between different flickering intervals. Such result may contribute to design a traffic light system to improve safety of urban driving. the newly designed system was also discussed.