Pedestrian Countdown Signals: Experience with an Extensive Pilot Installation

In 2001, the San Francisco Department of Parking and Traffic equipped 14 intersections with pedestrian countdown signals in a pilot test program. This article discusses the impacts of these devices on collisions, pedestrian behavior and attitudes, motorist behavior and signal maintenance needs. Data analysis showed that the number of pedestrian injury crashes declined significantly after the introduction of the countdown signals. The countdown signals reduced the proportion of pedestrians finishing crossing on red and did not result in an increase in drivers running red lights. The devices were viewed very favorably by pedestrians for providing additional information and were better understood than conventional pedestrian signals. The devices did appear to imply to a substantial proportion of pedestrians that it is proper to start crossing on the flashing red hand. The signals are relatively easy to install and maintain. The LED signals also save energy compared to the incandescent version they replaced. Encouraged by these preliminary results, San Francisco has decided to convert almost all pedestrian signals citywide to the countdown version.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/oclc/614107147
• Authors:
  • Markowitz, Frank
  • Sciortino, Stanley
  • Fleck, Jack Lucero
  • Yee, Bond M
• Publication Date: 2006-1

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Print
• Features: Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: pp 43-48
• Serial:
  • ITE Journal
  • Volume: 76
  • Issue Number: 1
  • Publisher: Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE)
  • ISSN: 0162-8178
  • Serial URL: https://www.ite.org/publications/ite-journal/

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Case studies; Crash rates; Drivers; Energy consumption; Injury rates; Light emitting diodes; Maintenance; Pedestrian areas; Pedestrian movement; Pedestrian phase; Pedestrian safety; Pedestrian signs; Pedestrian vehicle crashes; Pedestrians; Pilot studies
• Uncontrolled Terms: Countdown pedestrian indicators
• Geographic Terms: San Francisco (California)
• Subject Areas: Energy; Highways; Maintenance and Preservation; Pedestrians and Bicyclists; Safety and Human Factors; I85: Safety Devices used in Transport Infrastructure;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01019196
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS, ATRI
• Created Date: Mar 1 2006 9:04AM