Impact of Road Markings and Intersection Layout on the Behavior of Turning Vehicles at Signalized Intersections

The objective of this paper is to research driver behavior at pavement markings at signalized intersections – in a comparison of Japan and Germany – to give a recommendation on future applications of pavement markings. Both industrialized countries have a comparably well-developed traffic infrastructure. As similar markings suggest similar driver behaviors, differences lead to pavement markings that might influence driver behavior differently. Focus is set on pavement markings at left turns in Japan, which is equivalent to right turns in Germany. Here, especially in Nagoya city, curb markings and channelization markings are extensively used at large, high demand intersections. Driver behavior was observed from video data at five sites, stating if vehicles were moving according to pavement markings or ignoring markings. Furthermore, video data from one turn was used to plot drivers trajectories and get differences in vehicle types and speed profiles. Speed profiles show that hardly any free flow vehicles ignore pavement markings. Vehicles start cutting markings when leading vehicles slow down e.g. to let pedestrians pass. Here following vehicles try to pass. At both observed turns featured with curb markings, vehicles ignored this type of marking. Leading to the impression that drivers rather focus on something solid – e.g. the curb – than markings. A high percentage of drivers ignored the channelization markings at large, high demand turns. One observed turn was feature with poles on top of the marking, which lead to a significant drop in the amount of vehicles ignoring marking. Medium or low demand turns did not show high percentages of vehicles ignoring markings. No significant difference between heavy vehicles and passenger cars could be found. The gathered information can only give an impression on driver behaviors that are to be excepted at large, high demand intersections. For detailed analysis further research has to be done. Nevertheless, the first analysis shows a trend, that the physical channelization used in Germany leads to more consistent trajectories.