TUCSON, Ariz. — University of Arizona researchers propose new plan for intersections along Speedway Blvd.
Every hour, over 2,000 vehicles go on Speedway Blvd. to get across town. Each car experiences a lagging left turn through the intersection, meaning the vehicle has to yield to the cars going straight before turning left.
Studies at UArizona done by Civil and Mechical Engineering Professor Dr.Yao-Jan Wu shows these yellow flashing lights could help prevent crashes in intersections.
They were implemented a year ago to help make Tucson roads safer, but now Dr.Wu wants to combine the safety by helping make the roads more efficient for drivers.
Dr.Wu proposed to the City of Tucson, as part of their three year collaboration, to implement lead lag turns.
This means one side will turn left first, then all the cars will go straight, followed by the other side turn left second.
"On one side people might criticize that it may be confusing, but it actually alerts people that traffic is coming," Dr. Wu said.
Dr. Wu said this could reduce commute times across tow by 20%.
The City of Tucson said they agree with his proposal and are considering the options for intersections across town.
No matter what changes are made, Dr. Wu stresses the importance of being attention and not driving distracted, so people are prepared for any change that may happen along the road.
