Modelling the Relationship Between Post Encroachment Time and Signal Timings Using UAV Video data

Abstract: Intersection safety often relies on the correct modelling of signal phasing and timing parameters. A slight increase in yellow time or red time can have significant impact on the rear end crashes or conflicts. This paper aims to identify the relationship between surrogate safety measures and signal phasing. Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) video data has been used to study an intersection. Post Encroachment Time (PET) between vehicles was calculated from the video data as well as speed, heading and relevant signal timing parameters such as all red time, red clearance time, yellow time, etc. Random Parameter Ordered Logit Model was used to model the relationship between PET and these signal timing parameters. Overall, the results showed that yellow time and red clearance time is positively related to PETs. The model was also able to idendity certain signal phases that could be a potential safety hazard and would need to be retimed by considering the PETs. The odds ratios from the models also indicates that increasing the yellow and red clearance times by one second can improve the PET levels by 16% and 3% respectively.