32.1. Overview

Try these first

1. 1.

   What are the key traffic characteristics to measure?

   Hint

   Recall the acronym 'SFTD'

2. 2.

   Name a common device used for traffic data collection.

   Hint

   Think of technology that counts vehicles.

3. 3.

   What is the fundamental equation relating flow, speed, and density?

   Hint

   Remember the relationship q = u.k.

4. 4.

   True or False: Data cannot be collected in a laboratory environment for traffic studies.

   • True
   • False

   Hint

   Think of real-world behavior.

5. 5.

   Conduct a theoretical moving observer study over a mile stretch of road. Project how many vehicles would pass in peak hours if density is 150 vehicles/km and the average speed is 40 km/hr.

   Hint

   Use the fundamental equation relating flow, speed, and density.

6. 6.

   Assuming a data collection session resulted in an inductive loop detecting 500 vehicles in one hour at peak time, how might this influence traffic signal timing?

   Hint

   Think about how signal adjustments are made based on volume.