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    <title>Transport Research International Documentation (TRID)</title>
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    <copyright>Copyright © 2026. National Academy of Sciences. All rights reserved.</copyright>
    <docs>http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss</docs>
    <managingEditor>tris-trb@nas.edu (Bill McLeod)</managingEditor>
    <webMaster>tris-trb@nas.edu (Bill McLeod)</webMaster>
    <image>
      <title>Transport Research International Documentation (TRID)</title>
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      <link>https://trid.trb.org/</link>
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    <item>
      <title>Comparative Evaluation of Countdown Pedestrian Signal Displays in the District of Columbia</title>
      <link>https://trid.trb.org/View/1697614</link>
      <description><![CDATA[According to the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), Countdown Pedestrian Signals (CPS) shall only be displayed during the clearance interval (FLASHING DON’T WALK - FDW) of pedestrian signals. The primary purpose of this CPS display is to inform pedestrians of the remaining time for crossing a road controlled by the signal, to discourage them from starting, and to inform those who are already on the way of the remaining time before the beginning of the DON’T WALK (DW) interval. The general literature on CPS is conclusive that CPS is better understood than the conventional pedestrian signals. In the District of Columbia the CPS display starts at the onset of the Steady WALK (SW) interval and continues through the FDW interval. It is not certain whether this CPS display has any advantage over the standard display as prescribed by the MUTCD. In this research a comparative field study of both types of countdown displays at twenty-five intersections in the District of Columbia was conducted in addition to an attitudinal survey to gauge the public’s comprehension and perception of both displays. The results of the evaluation showed that at the majority of the intersections studied, there were no statistically significant differences in pedestrian crossing behaviors (using 5% significance level). The results of the analyses only apply to signalized intersections with fixed time control and show that the differences in pedestrian crossing behavior due to the two types of CPS displays are minimal. The attitudinal survey results showed that the majority of pedestrians (~86%) and drivers (~83%) prefer CPS display which starts at the onset of the SW.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 22 Apr 2020 15:13:16 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://trid.trb.org/View/1697614</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Analysis of Risk-Taking Behaviors of Electric Bicycle Riders in Response to Pedestrian Countdown Signal Devices</title>
      <link>https://trid.trb.org/View/1600914</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The primary objective of this study is to understand electric bicycle riders’ responses to pedestrian countdown signal devices (PCSDs), in particular, red light violations (RLVs) and early start behaviors.  Descriptive analyses were performed to compare the frequency of electric bicycle riders’ risk-taking behaviors, including RLVs and early start maneuvers at signalized intersections with PCSDs and intersections without PCSDs. Binary logit models were deployed to evaluate the influence of the associated factors, including gender, presence of a pillion passenger, type of electric bicycle, and number of turning vehicles, on the RLV behaviors and early start maneuvers of electric bicycle riders at signalized intersections with PCSDs.  Descriptive analyses indicate that PCSDs are effective in reducing the number of red light running violations. Significant variables for RLV behaviors include being female, no pillion passengers, type of electric bicycle, and number of turning vehicles. In addition, a similar correlation between early start maneuvers and influential factors was observed.  PCSDs are effective in preventing RLVs but increase the probability of early starts. Based on the findings in this article, practical countermeasures such as redesigning PCSDs could help improve safety at intersections for electric bicycle riders and should be further investigated.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 28 May 2019 09:46:18 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://trid.trb.org/View/1600914</guid>
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    <item>
      <title>A Novel Approach of Safety Evaluation for Red Light Violation Related Crashes at Signalized Intersections</title>
      <link>https://trid.trb.org/View/1588567</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Red light violations (RLVs) pose a huge risk resulting into severe crashes at signalized intersections. The present study proposes a novel approach of proactive safety evaluation using post encroachment time (PET) and investigates the effectiveness of signal countdown timer (SCT) in reducing RLVs. For this purpose, a 4-legged signalized intersection located in Delhi is selected. A “before-after” safety analysis is conducted both in the presence and absence of SCT at the onset of red. Study results show that the occurrence of RLVs during initial red is more at timer off condition. Furthermore, low average PET value is observed at “no-SCT” condition, indicating a risky crossing attempted by violators. The probability of RLV crashes is reduced by 37.2% at the same intersection when timer is on. Hence, SCT is found to be an effective countermeasure to reduce RLVs at the initial red as well as severe crash types at signalized intersection.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 01 Apr 2019 10:15:31 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://trid.trb.org/View/1588567</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Investigating the Effectiveness of an Eco-Speed Control System in the Vicinity of Signalized Intersections Using a Driving Simulator</title>
      <link>https://trid.trb.org/View/1573249</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This study utilizes a full-scale high-fidelity driving simulator to investigate drivers’ response and compliance to Eco-speed control systems in the vicinity of a signalized intersection, and the effectiveness of such a system in reducing emissions. An Eco-driving guidance is implemented in the driving simulator, and participants are given a voice-activated recommended speed every two seconds while driving toward an intersection in different scenarios of traffic conditions and road characteristics. Their speed profiles and the produced CO₂  emissions are compared with driving the same road without any guidance and also with a countdown traffic signal. Descriptive and statistical analyses including Generalized Linear Models (GLM) and t-tests are performed on the data obtained from 58 participants with various sociodemographic backgrounds who in total drove more than 2,000 times. The results show that men and younger drivers are more likely to follow the recommended speed. The emissions calculations indicate that an Eco-speed control system decreases the emissions level 9.1% more than countdown timing systems do and the emissions level is lower in the countdown timing system compared to conventional traffic signals.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 01 Mar 2019 15:51:29 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://trid.trb.org/View/1573249</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Methodology for research on traffic safety at signalized intersections with countdown timers</title>
      <link>https://trid.trb.org/View/1567380</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The article is a presentation of the authors‘ research work on determining the impact of countdown timers on traffic conditions, and - in this case - on the level of traffic safety at intersections. Therefore, the scientific aim of the article is to present the methodology used by the authors to carry out research in order to determine the influence of the function of the intersection with countdown timers within an urban transportation network on the level of safety at the intersection. To achieve the scientific objectives, measurements of traffic at three intersections with different functions in a transportation network have been performed.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 26 Nov 2018 10:05:57 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://trid.trb.org/View/1567380</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Need to use advance notice for urban public transport drivers</title>
      <link>https://trid.trb.org/View/1567370</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The article presents the results of a pilot survey conducted among public transport drivers, including of buses and trolleybuses, in three cities in Poland. The research was aimed at checking the existence of the need for advance notice systems concerning traffic light signal changes. This issue was examined using information on these drivers’ vehicles from countdown timers and traffic lights other than those for the lane in which the vehicles were moving. The respondents also indicated their proposals for advance notice systems for traffic light signal changes.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 26 Nov 2018 10:05:57 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://trid.trb.org/View/1567370</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>A Comparison of Safety Benefits of Pedestrian Countdown Signals with and without Pushbuttons in Michigan</title>
      <link>https://trid.trb.org/View/1566654</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This study evaluated the safety impacts of pedestrian countdown signals (PCSs) with and without pushbuttons based on pedestrian crashes and pedestrian injuries in Michigan. This study used 10 years of intersection data—5 years before PCSs were installed and 5 years after they were installed—along with a comparison group, to evaluate the crash impacts of PCSs; at 107 intersections the PCS had a pushbutton and at 96 it did not. At these intersections, and at their comparison sites (where no PCS was installed), crash data (from 2004 to 2016) were examined, along with traffic and geometric characteristics, population, education, and poverty level data. Intersections where PCSs with pushbuttons have been installed showed a 29% reduction in total pedestrian crashes and a 30% reduction in fatal/injury pedestrian crashes. Further, when considering only pedestrians age 65 and below, these respective reductions are 33 and 35%. Intersections with PCSs but without pushbuttons did not show any significant change in any type of pedestrian crash. Although the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (Federal Highway Administration [FHWA] 2009) requires the use of PCSs at new traffic signal installations, this study suggests a safety benefit of installing PCSs with pushbutton at signals where a PCS without a pushbutton is present.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 26 Nov 2018 10:04:17 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://trid.trb.org/View/1566654</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Impact of Different Patterns of Red Signal Countdown Timer on Drivers' Startup Behavior</title>
      <link>https://trid.trb.org/View/1509717</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Countdown timers can reduce startup delays and improve queue discharge, however researchers have reported an increased occurrence of red light violations in the presence of such timers. In this study, the authors conducted an experiment in order to examine whether it's possible to retain the benefits of the timer while limiting the problem of red light violations at startup, as the signal switches from red to green. The authors investigated the impacts of seven different patterns of timer display, and no timer, on drivers of different characteristics (i.e. sex and age group) under an in-rush situation. The evaluation criteria include the influences of the timers on the startup delay and the occurrences of anticipated startup. From the findings, counting down every second and switching to a plain red light a second before green (1sR) lowered the occurrence of red light violations at startup from that of a general countdown timer.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 20 Jul 2018 09:12:50 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://trid.trb.org/View/1509717</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Farther and Safer: An Illusion Engendered by Incapability?</title>
      <link>https://trid.trb.org/View/1505743</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Previous studies have observed that pedestrians tend to select gaps of farther distances between vehicles when crossing roads; however, the causes were unclear. Such gaps may create dangerous illusions because a farther distance for a given pedestrian crossing time implies that a vehicle is actually traveling faster. This study aimed to identify the causes of this farther-and-safer illusion, especially concerning elderly pedestrians. In particular, the authors examined behavioral changes after the burden of estimating the time to arrival (TTA) of an approaching vehicle has been removed through the provision of a countdown. Repeated measures collected for 82 subjects were examined using multilevel generalized linear models. The analysis results indicated that on average, the countdown effectively enhanced gap selection safety in both young (20–45 years) and elderly (60 years and older) subjects; however, its effect on reducing the illusion was heterogeneous between and within subjects. Most elderly subjects were sufferers of the farther-and-safer illusion even when their TTA estimation burden had been removed, implying that a decline in physical ability is not the primary cause of the illusion. Although the gap selection behaviors of young subjects were relatively modifiable, the behavioral changes sometimes led to a worse consequence, suggesting an incapability of properly using the countdown information. This study suggests that simply telling elderly pedestrians to recognize their age-related function changes is insufficient for improving their safety; other countermeasures are also required.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 09 Apr 2018 11:43:28 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://trid.trb.org/View/1505743</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Estimating Safety Effects of Green-Man Countdown Devices at Signalized Pedestrian Crosswalk Based on Cellular Automata</title>
      <link>https://trid.trb.org/View/1504061</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Safety effects of Green-Man Countdown Device (GMCD) at signalized pedestrian crosswalks are evaluated. Pedestrian behavior at GMCD and non-GMCD crosswalks is observed and analyzed. A microsimulation model is developed based on field observations to estimate safety performance. Simulation outputs allow analysts to assess the impacts of GMCD at various conditions with different geometric layout, traffic and pedestrian volumes, and the green time. According to simulation results, it is found that the safety impact of GMCD is affected by traffic condition as well as different time duration within green-man signal phase. In general, GMCD increases average walking velocity, especially during the last few seconds. The installation of GMCD improves safety performance generally, especially at more crowded crossings. Conflict severity is increased during last 10 s after GMCD installation. Findings from this study suggest that the current practice, which is to install GMCD at more crowded crosswalks or near the school zone, is effective. Moreover, at crosswalks with GMCD, longer all red signal phase is suggested to improve pedestrian safety during intergreen period.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 29 Mar 2018 09:32:23 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://trid.trb.org/View/1504061</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Using Crash Modification Factors to Appraise the Safety Effects of Pedestrian Countdown Signals for Drivers</title>
      <link>https://trid.trb.org/View/1502961</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Although pedestrian countdown signals (PCSs) are meant for pedestrians, they give cues to drivers on the remaining amount of green as the timer counts down. This study focuses on the evaluation of safety effectiveness of PCSs to drivers in the cities of Jacksonville and Gainesville, Florida, using the before-after study with the empirical Bayes method. This analysis explored 110 intersections with PCSs and their respective 93 comparison sites. The findings indicate that PCSs significantly improve driver safety by 8.8% reduction in total crashes, 8.0% in rear-end and 7.1% in property-damage-only crashes, where both of these results were significant at the 95% confidence level. Results for angle crashes as well as fatal and injury crashes were not significant at the 95% confidence level. Also discussed in this study are the crash modification functions developed to show the relationship between the estimated crash modification factors and total entering traffic volume at the intersection. In summary, the results suggest the usefulness of PCSs for drivers.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 28 Mar 2018 10:53:21 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://trid.trb.org/View/1502961</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>The impact of pedestrian countdown signals on single and two vehicle motor vehicle collisions: a quasi-experimental study</title>
      <link>https://trid.trb.org/View/1491603</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The objective of this study was to examine the impact of pedestrian countdown signals (PCS) on the rate of motor vehicle collisions (MVCs) in Toronto, Canada. A quasi-experimental design was used to compare rates of single and two vehicle MVCs before and after installation of PCS in Toronto, Canada between January 2005 and December 2009. Collision incidence rates were compared using Poisson regression analyses with adjustment for relevant cofounders and reported as incidence rate ratios (IRR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Secondary analyses were performed on subsets of collisions by collision type and injury severity. A total of 94,175 MVCs occurred at or near 1965 intersections at which PCS were installed over the five-year study period. Overall, the MVC incidence rate increased 7.5% (IRR = 1.075; 95% CI: 1.042–1.109; p < 0.0001) after installation of PCS. The installation of PCS led to an increase in MVCs. PCS may have an unintended consequence of increasing the rate of MVCs.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 02 Jan 2018 10:39:19 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://trid.trb.org/View/1491603</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Safer Driver Responses at Intersections with Green Signal Countdown Timers</title>
      <link>https://trid.trb.org/View/1486431</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Traffic signal countdown timers (TSCTs) are innovative, practical, and cost-effective technologies with the potential to improve safety at signalized intersections. The purpose of these devices is to assist motorists in decision-making at signalized intersections by providing them with real-time signal duration information. This study examines US driver responses in the presence of a green signal countdown timer (GSCT) and the implications those responses have on intersection safety. A driving simulator study was conducted to record driver responses to virtual GSCTs. Fifty-five participants (32 male and 23 female) responded to 1100 simulated traffic signals, half of which had GSCTs. A predictive model was developed and validated to estimate the change in driver’s probability to stop at different distances from the stop line in the presence of a GSCT. The presence of a GSCT increased average driver stopping probability in the dilemma zone by 13.10%, while decreasing average driver deceleration rates by 1.50 ft/s2. These results suggest that GSCTs may contribute to improved intersection safety in the US.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 28 Nov 2017 09:28:27 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://trid.trb.org/View/1486431</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Impact of Vehicular Countdown Signals on Driving Psychologies and Behaviors: Taking China as an Example</title>
      <link>https://trid.trb.org/View/1479707</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Countdown signal control is a relatively new control mode that can inform a driver in advance about the remaining time to pass through intersections or the time needed to wait for other drivers and pedestrians. At present, few countries apply vehicular countdown signals. However, in China, some cities have applied vehicular countdown signals for years, though it is unclear how and how much such signals influence driving psychologies and behaviors compared with non-countdown signal controls. The present work aims to clarify the impact of vehicular countdown signals on driving psychologies and behaviors on the cognitive level. A questionnaire survey with 32 questions about driving psychologies and behaviors was designed, and an online survey was conducted. A total of 1051 valid questionnaires were received. The survey data were analyzed, and the main results indicate that most of the surveyed drivers prefer countdown signal controls and think that such controls can improve not only traffic safety but also traffic operational efficiency. The surveyed drivers also think that countdown signal controls have an impact on driving psychologies and behaviors and the survey results have demonstrated that the driving behaviors of female drivers surveyed are not conservative under the clear conditions of green countdown signal control. Further studies and methods concerning the effects of countdown signals on driving psychologies and behaviors are discussed.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 27 Sep 2017 10:20:55 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://trid.trb.org/View/1479707</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>The crossing speed of elderly pedestrians</title>
      <link>https://trid.trb.org/View/1468638</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The population of elderly people is rapidly growing and in terms of safety, senior pedestrians represent one of the most vulnerable group. The pedestrian crossing speed is a significant input parameter in traffic engineering, which can have effect on pedestrians’ safety, especially of older population. The objective of this study was to determine the value of the crossing speed of elderly pedestrians (65+) for different types of urban crossings. The research was conducted at ten intersections in the city of Belgrade, Serbia, using the method of direct observation and a questionnaire for collecting data. The data were analysed in the statistical software package IBM SPSS Statistics. The results showed that elderly pedestrians walk slower and the crossing type significantly influenced the speed of older population. The order of crossing types in relation to the measured speed is ranked as follows, from the lowest to the highest speed value: unsignalized, signalized, signalized with pedestrian countdown display, signalized with pedestrian island and pedestrian countdown display and finally signalized crossing with pedestrian island. According to the questionnaire results, the elderly recognize the importance of implementing pedestrian counters. This indicates the necessity to provide safe street crossing for the elderly using the corresponding engineering measures.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 27 Jun 2017 16:10:03 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://trid.trb.org/View/1468638</guid>
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