Efficiency and Safety Evaluation of Detectable Warning Surfaces in Winter Conditions: Effects of Color and Material

The aim of this project is to assess the efficiency and safety of warning tiles for persons who are blind in winter conditions, as well as to determine the effect colors and materials have on tile detection by foot. One of the objectives is to observe if the snow on a darker tile melts faster and if it contributes to a better detection performance and feeling of safety. The results of this study show that warning tiles, as recommended by the Americans with Disabilities Act, are highly detectable in winter conditions with minimal maintenance in a sunny area. However, detectability on non sunny pathways was not measured and needs to be investigated. In addition to user’s detectability, future research is needed to assess long-term performance of commonly used products. Also, the effect of the use of abrasives on the tiles’ safety and detection needs more investigation. These studies will help cities in northern climate make better choices regarding the use of the warning tiles.

• Corporate Authors:

  Hong Kong Society for Rehabilitation

  302, Tower A, New Mandarin Plaza, 14 Science Museum Road, Tsimshatsui East, Kowloon
  Hong Kong,   China 
• Authors:
  • Landry, Julie
  • Ratelle, Agathe
  • Overbury, Olga
• Conference:
  • TRANSED 2010: 12th International Conference on Mobility and Transport for Elderly and Disabled Persons
  • Location: Hong Kong , China
  • Date: 2010-6-1 to 2010-6-4
• Publication Date: 2010

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Digital/other
• Features: Illustrations; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 10p
• Monograph Title: TRANSED 2010: 12th International Conference on Mobility and Transport for Elderly and Disabled Persons, June 1-4, 2010

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Crosswalks; Detectable warning surfaces; Pedestrians; Snow; Visually impaired persons; Winter
• Subject Areas: Design; Pavements; Pedestrians and Bicyclists; I23: Properties of Road Surfaces;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01360798
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Jan 25 2012 11:57AM