Beaconing Signalization Substantially Reduces Blind Pedestrians’ Veer on Snow-Covered Pavement
Veering outside of crosswalks is a common problem experienced by individuals who are blind. One technology found to be effective for reducing this veer when other guidance cues are absent is audible beaconing. However, veering in general and veering from crosswalks in particular have been studied primarily on smooth, flat walking surfaces such as clear pavement. This experiment compared veering on clear pavement with veering on snow-covered pavement, with and without audible beaconing. Eleven blind participants traveling with long canes attempted to walk a straight path for 72 ft (21.9 m), a typical length of a six-lane crosswalk. Beaconing substantially reduced veering at 36 ft (11.0 m) and 72 ft from the starting point and enabled participants to remain within a simulated crosswalk. Walking on snow was not found to affect veering but did increase the number of steps taken. The findings suggest that in snowy and clear conditions alike, audible beaconing is an effective wayfinding tool for intersections equipped with accessible pedestrian signals.
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Availability:
- Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/isbn/9780309441940
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Authors:
- Guth, David A
- Long, Richard G
- Kim, Dae Shik
- Robertson, Elizabeth A
- Reesor, Abbie L
- Bacik, Catherine J
- Eckert, Jaclyn M
- Publication Date: 2017
Language
- English
Media Info
- Media Type: Digital/other
- Features: Figures; Photos; References;
- Pagination: pp 43–50
- Monograph Title: Pedestrians
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Serial:
- Transportation Research Record: Journal of the Transportation Research Board
- Issue Number: 2661
- Publisher: Transportation Research Board
- ISSN: 0361-1981
Subject/Index Terms
- TRT Terms: Audible pedestrian signals; Blind persons; Crosswalks; Pedestrian safety; Pedestrians; Snowfall; Wayfinding
- Subject Areas: Operations and Traffic Management; Pedestrians and Bicyclists; Planning and Forecasting; Safety and Human Factors; Society;
Filing Info
- Accession Number: 01623040
- Record Type: Publication
- ISBN: 9780309441940
- Report/Paper Numbers: 17-01001
- Files: PRP, TRIS, TRB, ATRI
- Created Date: Jan 24 2017 3:15PM