Drivers’ indecisiveness in dilemma zones (DZ) could result in crash-prone situations at signalized
intersections. DZ is to the area ahead of an intersection in which drivers encounter a dilemma regarding
whether to stop or proceed through the intersection when the signal turns yellow. An improper decision
to stop by the leading driver, combined with the following driver deciding to go, can result in a rear-end
collision, unless the following driver recognizes a collision is imminent and adjusts his or her behavior at
or shortly after the onset of yellow. Considering the significance of DZ-related crashes, a comprehensive
safety measure is needed to characterize the level of safety at signalized intersections. In this study, a
novel safety surrogate measure was developed utilizing real-time radar field data. This new measure,
called safety surrogate histogram (SSH), captures the degree and frequency of DZ-related conflicts at each
intersection approach. SSH includes detailed information regarding the possibility of crashes, because it
is calculated based on the vehicles conflicts. An example illustrating the application of the new
methodology at two study sites in Virginia is presented and discussed, and a comparison is provided
between SSH and other DZ-related safety surrogate measures mentioned in the literature. The results of
the study reveal the efficacy of the SSH as complementary to existing surrogate measures.