Incorrect U-turning of vehicles at intersections with traffic lights

Authors:

• Tomasz Krukowicz,
• Krzysztof Firląg,
• Ewelina Sterniczuk

Abstract

The article describes the problem of incorrect U-turns at intersections with traffic lights. Statistical data on road incidents related to U-turns are presented. Then, the international, Polish and foreign regulations concerning u-turning at intersections with traffic lights were analysed. The situations in which U-turns are allowed or prohibit-ed are presented. The differences in design rules for junctions with U-turns in different countries have been taken into account. A literature review was also carried out that outlined various current U-turns around the world, including the design of turning places, the location of turning points, road safety when turning, and the impact of U-turns on traffic conditions. The further part of the article presents the results of field tests of the U-turn at 6 intersections located in Warsaw. The research was conducted by video observation. The results were broken down by age, gender, place of regis-tration of the vehicle, type of vehicle, and the effect of incorrect turning. Data on road incidents at the examined intersections were also analysed. Data from the database kept by the Police were compared with the measure-ment data. A regression analysis was performed between the types of recorded incorrect manoeuvres and the number of accidents at the intersection. The results of statistical analysis carried out do not indicate the existence of a relationship between the number of identified incorrect U-turns and the number of road incidents at inter-sections. Based on the research, it was found that the phenomenon of incorrect U-turns at intersections with traffic lights is common, and the use of directional (protected) signals does not eliminate this phenomenon. The conclusions indicate practical solutions to reduce the number of illegally U-turning vehicles. The recommended actions are related to the stage of shaping the road network, designing the road geometry and organizing traffic and traffic lights, and auditing road safety, as well as the stage of road operation.