Spot Speed Survey

(Stopwatch Method)

BACUD, KOLEEN
CALAGUI, CHRISTIAN ACE
MAMAUAG, MYLENE
PUERTO, MATT BENJOEMIN
TALLUD, RAFAEL
BSCE-5B

ENGR. Ralph Angelo B. Estiller

INSTRUCTOR
Spot Speed Survey (Stopwatch Method)
Spot speed studies are vital for measuring different factors and variable needed in the design of
highway system. It helps us determine the speed distribution of traffic stream at a specific location.
The data obtained in spot speed study are used to determine vehicle speed percentiles which are
very useful in making various speed-related decisions. This survey also indicates whether
modifications on roadways are necessary, like law enforcement, realignment or reconstruction.
Data gathered on this study have a number of safety applications, which includes the following:
determining existing traffic operations and evaluation of traffic control devices or traffic programs,
including signs and markings, traffic operational changes and speed enforcement programs.
Objective:
1. To determine whether there is already a need for new traffic rules and regulations,
regulations, realignment or reconstruction (e.g. Speed Limit adjustment).
2. To determine the number of speed limit violators based on the data obtained during the
survey.
Procedures:
1. Choose a suitable location carefully in such a way that the recorded speeds will reflect
how vehicles typically travel along unimpeded sections of the road under free-flow
conditions. It should be noted that data collection should be conducted during off peak
periods on weekday.
2. Using a measuring tape, establish the trap length (usually 15-50m). Make sure that it must
be laid away from close intersections and unusual traffic activities.
3. Record information about the selected section of the road such as section speed (speed
limit), number of lanes, and general description of selected road segment.
4. Position the flagman both ends of the established trap length. Instruct the flagman to raise
their flag when the front axle of the vehicle passes through the reference point on the
inbound side of the trap length and so with the flagman on the outbound point of the trap
length. The observer, who is in charge with the stopwatch must be positioned in such a
way that he/she can see both flagmen clearly. Observed time must be communicated to
the recorder who will be in charge with recording all the data obtained throughout the study
period.
5. Tabulate obtained survey data and compute for the required parameters associated with
roadway speeds. Discussed the relevance of each parameter and draw the conclusion.
Computation:
The following parameters are necessarily to effectively define the traffic stream behavior at a
specified section along a road network.
1. Mean Speed

A.) Private Vehicle/Van

∑𝑛
𝑖=1 μ𝑖
μ𝑡 = 𝑛
1114
μ𝑡 = 31
μ𝑡 = 35.94 kph

B.) Delivery Truck

∑𝑛
𝑖=1 μ𝑖
μ𝑡 = 𝑛
227
μ𝑡 = 8
μ𝑡 = 28.38 kph

C.) Motorcycle
∑𝑛
𝑖=1 μ𝑖
μ𝑡 = 𝑛
92
μ𝑡 = 3
μ𝑡 = 30.67 kph

D.) Tricycle
∑𝑛
𝑖=1 μ𝑖
μ𝑡 = 𝑛
207
μ𝑡 = 8
μ𝑡 = 25.88 kph

E.) All Vehicles

∑𝑛
𝑖=1 μ𝑖
μ𝑡 = 𝑛
(19𝑥4)+(24𝑥9)+(29𝑥8)+(34𝑥15)+(39𝑥4)+(44𝑥8)+(49𝑥2)
μ𝑡 = 50
μ𝑡 = 32.8 kph
2. 85th percentile speed
𝑘𝑛
Position = (100)𝑡ℎ
85(50) 𝑡ℎ
Position = ( 100
)
𝑡ℎ
Position = 42.5

𝐶 𝑘𝑛
𝑃𝑘 =𝐿𝑝𝑐 + 𝑓 (100 − 𝐶𝐹𝑏 )
𝑤
5 85(50)
𝑃85 = 41.5 + 8 ( 100
− 40)
𝑃85 = 43.06 kph

3. 95th percentile speed

𝑘𝑛
Position = (100)𝑡ℎ
95(50) 𝑡ℎ
Position = ( 100
)
𝑡ℎ
Position = 47.5

𝐶 𝑘𝑛
𝑃𝑘 =𝐿𝑝𝑐 + 𝑓 (100 − 𝐶𝐹𝑏 )
𝑤
5 95(50)
𝑃95 = 41.5 + 8 ( 100
− 40)
𝑃95 = 46.19 kph

4. Median (50th percentile speed)

𝑘𝑛
Position = (100)𝑡ℎ
50(50) 𝑡ℎ
Position = ( 100
)
𝑡ℎ
Position = 25

𝐶 𝑘𝑛
𝑃𝑘 =𝐿𝑝𝑐 + 𝑓 (100 − 𝐶𝐹𝑏 )
𝑤
5 50(50)
𝑃50 = 31.5 + 15 ( 100
− 21)
𝑃50 = 32.83 kph

5. Mode
𝑑1
𝑥̂= 𝐿𝑚𝑜 +C (𝑑 )
1 +𝑑2
𝑑2 = 𝑓𝑚𝑜 -𝑓𝑏 𝑑1 = 𝑓𝑚𝑜 -𝑓𝑎
𝑑2 = 15-4 𝑑1 = 15-8
𝑑2 = 11 𝑑1 = 7
7
𝑥̂= 31.5+5 (11+7)
𝑥̂= 33.44 kph

6. Speed variance
𝛴𝑓(𝑥−𝑥̅ )2
𝑠2 =
𝑛−1
710.08
𝑠2 = 50−1
𝑠 2 = 14.49 kph
7. Percentage of over speeding drivers

A. Passenger car and motorcycle

Speed limit-40kph

Nv- Number of vehicles-42

Nos-Number of over speeding-9

𝑁𝑜𝑠
𝑃𝑜𝑠 =
𝑁𝑣

9
𝑃𝑜𝑠 =
42

Pos=21.43%

B. Truck and Buses

Speed limit-30kph

Nv- Number of vehicles-8

Nos-Number of over speeding-1

𝑁𝑜𝑠
𝑃𝑜𝑠 =
𝑁𝑣

1
𝑃𝑜𝑠 =
8

Pos=12.5%

C. Total Percentage

9+1
𝑃𝑜𝑠 =
42+8

10
𝑃𝑜𝑠 =
50

Pos=20%
 8. Frequency Distribution Table
FREQUENCY DISTRIBUTION TABLE FOR SET OF SPEED DATA

Number of Vehicles
Speed Speed
μ𝑖 , kph
Class Private Delivery Motorcycle Tricycle Private Delivery Motorcycle Tricycle
Class
Limit, kph Vehicle/ Van trucks Vehicle/ trucks
Mark (x),
Van
kph

17-21 19 0 2 0 2 0 38 0 38
22-26 24 1 3 2 3 24 72 48 72
27-31 29 6 1 0 1 174 29 0 29
32-36 34 13 0 0 2 442 0 0 68
37-41 39 4 0 0 0 156 0 0 0
42-46 44 5 2 1 0 220 88 44 0
47-51 49 2 0 0 0 98 0 0 0
Σ 31 8 3 8 1114 227 92 207

Speed Speed Speed Frequenc Relative Cumulative Frequency

μ𝑖 ,kph Ι(x-𝒙
̅)Ι ̅)𝟐
(𝐱 − 𝒙
Class Class Class y, no. of Frequenc <CF <RC >CF >RC
Limit, kph Boundarie Mark (x), vehicles y
s, kph
F F
kph
17-21 16.5- 19 4 8% 4 8% 50 100 76 13.8 190.44
21.5 %
22-26 21.5- 24 9 18% 13 26% 46 92% 216 8.8 77.44
26.5
27-31 26.5- 29 8 16% 21 42% 37 74% 232 3.8 14.44
31.5
32-36 31.5- 34 15 30% 36 72% 29 58% 510 1.2 1.44
36.5
37-41 36.5- 39 4 8% 40 80% 14 28% 156 6.2 38.44
41.5
42-46 41.5- 44 8 16% 48 96% 10 20% 352 11.2 125.44
46.5
47-51 46.5- 49 2 4% 50 100 2 4% 98 16.2 262.44
51.5 %
Σ 50 100 1640 710.08

From the Table above:

a. Population Size, N = 50
b. Speed Range, R
Minimum Speed = 17 kph
Maximum Speed = 49 kph
Speed Range = Max Speed – Min Speed
Speed Range = 49 – 17
Speed Range = 32 kph
c. Number of Class Interval, k
k = 1+3.31 log N = 7
𝑅 32
d. Class Size, C = 𝑘 = 7 = 5
Discussion: In the recent Spot Speed Survey we did, the above calculation are parameters
needed to describe the traffic stream behavior at Enrile Boulevard. Average speed
of the different types of vehicle recorded is shown on the above computation, and
the average individual speed of the 50 different vehicles at our chosen section of
the road is 32.8 kph while their space mean speed is 30.72. Notice that space
mean speed is slower than time mean speed. On the other hand, the speed at or
below which 85 percent of all vehicles are observed to travel under free-flowing
conditions past the monitored point is 43.06 kph. This speed can be used as a
guide to set the speed limit at a safe speed, minimizing crashes and promoting
uniform traffic flow along a corridor. The upper limit for this parameter is the 95th
percentile, wherein it is equivalent to 46.19 kph. 33 kph equally divides the
distribution of spot speed. Moreover, the common speed of vehicles passing
through that chosen road section at Enrile Boulevard is 33.44 kph. A speed of
14.49 kph sets the difference in the travel speeds of the timed vehicles.
Slow value of speed variance indicates that the speed of vehicles on that road
section is under control, majority of the drivers are driving at a controlled speed,
this can be proved on the result of the presented solution of the percentage of over
speeding drivers, over all there are only 20% that violates the speed limit on the
road, which is a minority of the number of timed vehicles.

Conclusion: To ascertain whether there is already a need for new traffic rules and regulations
and to determine the number of speed violators, spot speed test was conducted.
It was done by creating a speed trap and recording how long it took cars to go
through the speed trap. Using some calculations, the times were then converted
into speeds and tabulated to allow for easier analysis. Looking at the data, it is
easy to conclude that current law enforcement is enough to get people to obey the
speed limit along the Enrile Boulevard. 21.73% of the drivers of passenger cars
and motorcycle who were timed were driving above the 40 kph limit and 12.50%
of the drivers of delivery trucks who were timed were driving above 30 kph limit.
Out of 50 vehicles that were timed in this experiment, only 10 speed violators were
driving above the speed limit.

References: https://www.lawphil.net/statutes/repacts/ra1964/ra_4136_1964.html
Documentation:
Date: 08/22/19 Time Started: 1:53 pm
Group Name: LOWKEY Time Ended: 2:07 pm
Study Location: Enrile Boulevard, Carig Sur, Tuguegarao City Whether: Sunny
Speed Limit: Passenger car & Motorcycle - 40 kph
Truck & Buses - 30 kph

No. Vehicle Type Time, s Speed, kph Plate Number

1 PRIVATE 2.92 49 NAK8966
VEHICLE/VAN
2 PRIVATE 2.97 48 IAB1809
VEHICLE/VAN
3 PRIVATE 3.22 45 BAA3709
VEHICLE/VAN
4 PRIVATE 3.23 45 WGU107
VEHICLE/VAN
5 PRIVATE 3.25 44 C2H888
VEHICLE/VAN
6 PRIVATE 3.27 44 BAB1023
VEHICLE/VAN
7 PRIVATE 3.3 44 SA3503
VEHICLE/VAN
8 PRIVATE 3.32 43 NBJ2349
VEHICLE/VAN
9 DELIVERY TRUCK 3.4 42 NBS4115
10 MOTORCYCLE 3.45 42 B58647
11 PRIVATE 3.64 40 BTE2775
VEHICLE/VAN
12 PRIVATE 3.79 38 RHK519
VEHICLE/VAN
13 PRIVATE 3.85 37 BCS956
VEHICLE/VAN
14 PRIVATE 3.93 37 BCL5906
VEHICLE/VAN
15 PRIVATE 3.95 36 NCN8071
VEHICLE/VAN
16 TRICYCLE 3.98 36 BE25130
17 PRIVATE 3.98 36 NBH7403
VEHICLE/VAN
18 PRIVATE 4.02 36 YAA2433
VEHICLE/VAN
19 PRIVATE 4.05 36 XLH884
VEHICLE/VAN
20 PRIVATE 4.05 36 PIN330
VEHICLE/VAN
21 PRIVATE 4.08 35 BAA2352
VEHICLE/VAN
22 PRIVATE 4.27 34 SJV218
VEHICLE/VAN
23 PRIVATE 4.32 33 POX789
VEHICLE/VAN
24 PRIVATE 4.33 33 B5B068
VEHICLE/VAN
25 PRIVATE 4.4 33 AA13682
VEHICLE/VAN
26 PRIVATE 4.43 33 BT3063
VEHICLE/VAN
27 PRIVATE 4.46 32 BCW875
VEHICLE/VAN
28 TRICYCLE 4.56 32 BO66216
29 PRIVATE 4.56 32 KEF731
VEHICLE/VAN
30 PRIVATE 4.59 31 NCI9690
VEHICLE/VAN
31 PRIVATE 4.6 31 BAA7379
VEHICLE/VAN
32 PRIVATE 4.69 31 ACL4668
VEHICLE/VAN
33 TRICYCLE 4.79 30 92-0294
34 PRIVATE 4.89 29 FGH411
VEHICLE/VAN
35 PRIVATE 5.01 29 ZPG698
VEHICLE/VAN
36 PRIVATE 5.07 28 NL1584
VEHICLE/VAN
37 DELIVERY TRUCK 5.26 27 CAP5807
38 DELIVERY TRUCK 5.46 26 RJ8113
39 MOTORCYCLE 5.47 26 4664B1
40 DELIVERY TRUCK 5.48 26 RADH2975
41 MOTORCYCLE 5.54 26 BO68224
42 PRIVATE 5.68 25 BVG303
VEHICLE/VAN
43 TRICYCLE 6.04 24 BR6381
44 TRICYCLE 6.3 23 BE0653
45 DELIVERY TRUCK 6.3 23 NAS2027
46 TRICYCLE 6.47 22 BM7912
47 TRICYCLE 6.85 21 BM7785
48 DELIVERY TRUCK 6.9 21 BZA203
49 DELIVERY TRUCK 8.57 17 FJB558
50 TRICYCLE 8.59 17 BS7138