Understanding of the basic principles of vehicle dynamics and traffic flow.

Understanding of descriptive statistics and regression analysis.

The primary objective of this course is to introduce students to traffic engineering principles for streets and highways with emphasis on the safe and efficient operation of roadway intersections. Over 42,600 people were killed last year on United States roadways, many at signalized and unsignalized intersections. In addition, increasing traffic volumes on our roadways has led to congestion requiring improved vehicle movement efficiency. State-of-the-art computer applications and current research findings will be presented throughout. Desired outcomes of the course include:

• Obtain an understanding of intersection traffic operations, traffic data collection methods, traffic control devices, and analysis techniques.

• Learn both quantitative and computerized techniques for designing and optimizing signalization at intersections. The student will be efficient in using several software packages and understand the fundamental differences between each.

• Apply the principles of traffic engineering to a specific problem. The student will be able to evaluate, analyze, design, optimize, simulate, and present, in both written and oral formats, a thorough description of their analysis process.

Human factors and positive guidance.

Data collection techniques.

Traffic control: devices.

Roadway capacity.

Unsignalized intersection design.

Vehicle detection.

Traffic signal operations: timing, actuated signals and coordination.

ITS and technology in traffic operations.

Safety programs.

The following statement indicates which of the following considerations are included in this course: economic, environmental, ethical, political, societal, health and safety, manufacturability, sustainability.

Safety - Safety is a primary concern in the design of traffic control systems. Measurement of the safety of roadways and development of safety improvements are considered explicitly.

Political/ethical – discussion throughout on the political process to fund (economic) and support transportation system improvements. Discuss the engineers ethical responsibility to maximize safety and efficiency of the system.

The design of traffic control systems considers societal needs for safe and efficient movement of traffic. Students develop the ability to select and apply appropriate analytical tools to solve traffic control problems.

Additionally, safety is a key factor that is considered in the design and operation of traffic signal systems. High crash rates are a measure of system failure. Safety programs are used to identify potential causes of crashes and to identify and evaluate possible solutions.

Specific contributions include:

(1) Ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering

(2) Ability to define a problem, conduct experiments, analyze and interpret data, and apply statistical methods

(3) Ability of function on multi-disciplinary teams

(4) Ability to communicate ideas effectively

(5) Understanding of civil engineering decisions on society

(6) Understanding of professional and ethical responsibility

(7) Recognition of the need for, and an ability to engage in life-long learning

(8) Knowledge of codes, contract documents, standards and contemporary issues

(9) Understanding of the role of research in solving engineering problems