PEDESTRIAN SIGNALIZATION ALTERNATIVES. FINAL REPORT

The purpose of this study was to determine the operational and safety effects of various pedestrian signalization alternatives. An analysis was conducted of pedestrian accidents, traffic and pedestrian volumes, geometrics, and signal data for 1,297 signalized intersections in 15 U.S. cities to determine the safety effects of pedestrian signals and signal timing. The presence of standard-timed pedestrian (WALK/DONT WALK) signals was found to have no significant effect on pedestrian accidents. However, scrable (or exclusive) pedestrian timing was associated with significantly lower pedestrian accidents. Current MUTCD warrants for pedestrian signals were evaluated and Warrant 3 (Minimum Pedestrian Warrant) was foond to be ineffective. An improved warrant was developed and is recommended for adoption. Several new sign and signal alternatives were developed and field tested to indicate the clearance interval and to warn of pedestrian-vehicle conflicts. The alternatives recommended for inclusion in the MUTCD at high pedestrian hazard intersections include the WALK WITH CARE signal, a YIELD TO PEDESTRIANS WHEN TURNING regulatory siign, a PEDESTRIANS WATCH FOR TURNING VEHICLES warning sign, and a pedestrian signal explanation sign (word and symbolic). A three-phase pedestrian signal using DONT START to indicate the clearance interval was recommended for additional testing, and little or no benefit was found from the flashing WALK or the steady DONT WALK. Allowing pedestrians to yield to traffic and cross against the pedestrian signal was found to be undersirable based on safety considerations. The Appendixes are available upon request from the Federal Highway Administration. (Author) Highway Administration. (Author)

• Record URL:
  https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/41946
• Corporate Authors:

  Goodell-Grivas Incorporated

  17320 West Eight Mile Road
  Southfield, MI  United States  48075

  Federal Highway Administration

  Office of Safety and Traffic Operations, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Authors:
  • Zegeer, C V
  • Opiela, K S
  • Cynecki, M J
• Publication Date: 1985-7

Media Info

• Media Type: Digital/other
• Features: Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 153 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Pedestrian actuated controllers; Pedestrian phase; Pedestrian vehicle crashes; Pedestrian vehicle interface; Prevention; Traffic conflicts; Traffic signal timing; Traffic signs; Traffic volume; Warrants (Traffic control devices)
• Subject Areas: Highways; Operations and Traffic Management; Safety and Human Factors; Security and Emergencies; I73: Traffic Control;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00450591
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: FHWA-RD-83-102, FCP 31N1-072
• Contract Numbers: DTFH61-80-C-00145
• Files: NTL, TRIS, USDOT
• Created Date: Mar 31 1987 12:00AM