June 18, 2000
Docket Clerk, U.S. DOT Dockets
Room PL-401
400 Seventh Street, SW
Washington, D.C. 20590-0001
Re: Comments on FHWA Docket No. FHWA-99-6575
Dear Sir/Madam:
As a professional involved with traffic signals, I am concerned about some of the proposed changes to the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD). The following comments are in regards to these proposed changes:
Finally, consider that turning movements are generally made at lower speeds and motorists are typically decelerating upon entering a turn lane. Given these conditions, red arrows are appropriate, as they are easily visible and distinguishable at the required distances and speeds involved.
2. The MUTCD should warn designers that right turn overlap arrows should not be displayed simultaneously with their parent left turn arrow unless U-turns are either prohibited or a sign is posted requiring the U-turns to yield.
3. Unnecessarily long pedestrian times can have a very detrimental effect on coordinated signal operation. They can force the use of higher cycle lengths which may increase motorist delay throughout the system. With large crossing distances, we just can't afford to arbitrarily use longer WALK times or slower walking speeds in calculating pedestrian clearance times. Long pedestrian clearance times can lead to increasing motorist frustration and breeding of motorist disrespect for the signal system (e.g. motorists are forced to wait while the pedestrian clearance times-out even though the pedestrian is long gone). To design a system in this manner is to invite problems.
Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions concerning these comments.
Sincerely,