A peer-to-peer logic environment to validate flashing yellow arrow decision support system

The flashing yellow arrow (FYA) signal display creates an opportunity to enhance the left-turn phase with a variable mode that can be changed on demand. This research develops an integrated general purpose data collection module that time stamps detector and phase state changes within a National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) actuated traffic signal controller to provide recommendations for the flashing yellow arrow left-turn mode on a cycle-by-cycle basis. 115 left-turn approaches at 38 intersections with locations across the State of Florida were analyzed totaling 1370 h of video data processed including off-peak and peak conditions. Video data extraction was an essential step in developing the gap thresholds for the permissive left-turn. Actual intersection field data were obtained through loop detector mapping to the controller in the lab in real-time mode using a peer-to-peer logic environment. A custom communications software was developed to retrieve instantaneous channel input data, synchronize opposing through green phase, analyze traffic information, provide the algorithm decision, and generate a real-time log recording the events to determine whether it would be optimal to switch the red arrow to a flashing yellow arrow. The algorithm determines the time interval between the successive arrivals of vehicles and computes the corresponding headway for each lane by cycle on a second-by-second basis. Peer-to-peer logic is a necessary step to verify and validate new traffic concepts prior to field-testing and offers the advantage of acquiring and analyzing real-time traffic data coupled with video feed with the benefit of a safe environment.