Minimizing Lost Time at Automobile Intersections

摘要

We will set up a model of traffic flow into an intersection and compare the two-way stop traffic control and the four-way stop traffic control with regard to the average time delay per car. We will use simulations to demonstrate that a two-way stop system is always more efficient than a four-way stop system, as far as average time delay per car is concerned. We will explain the validity of our model, and show how to extend it to study other parameters of interest. The simulations were run on a personal computer using the MATLAB computing environment. Details of setting up efficient codes, in general, will be provided. Moreover, elements of MATLAB coding, a language which is very intuitive and similar to the C-family, will also be given.