41.2. Definitions and notations

Try these first

1. 1.

   What is a cycle in traffic signals?

   Hint

   Think about what happens from red to green.

2. 2.

   What denotes cycle length?

   Hint

   Consider how we measure the duration of the changing lights.

3. 3.

   What is a cycle in traffic signals?

   • A single traffic light color
   • A complete rotation through all indications
   • The time for green light only

   Hint

   Consider what happens through a full change of lights.

4. 4.

   True or False: The clearance interval is used for clearing the intersection of vehicles before the traffic signal changes.

   • True
   • False

   Hint

   Think about how signals ensure safety for all movements.

5. 5.

   Consider an intersection that has a green light of 25 seconds, a yellow light of 5 seconds, and an all-red clearance of 2 seconds. Calculate the cycle length and discuss how lost time factors into this scenario.

   Hint

   Add all light phases together, and remember to consider the driver's response time.

6. 6.

   If a change interval is extended from 3 seconds to 6 seconds, hypothesize how this might impact traffic flow and lost time at an intersection.

   Hint

   Think about how longer yellow lights might help both safety and delays.