A SURVEY OF SPECIAL CROSSWALKS IN CANADA

The purpose of the survey was to determine the effectiveness of these crosswalks, determine which of the different types was the best design, and identify areas for future research work. Special crosswalks are very effective traffic control devices in that they minimize both vehicular and pedestrian delays, and are less costly then traffic signals. Little evidence was found that special crosswalks are safer than other traffic control devices. Two serious safety hazards were identified: 1) too many pedestrians step off the curb without warning or waiting for a suitable gap, and 2) too many vehicles pass each other at the crosswalk. Visibility of the crosswalks on the whole was good, as was visibility of the pedestrian. No problems were encountered with illumination, and few deficiencies were detected in the physical design of the special crosswalks. Most of the deficiencies found were in the area of legislation, education, and enforcement. Numerous areas for possible research were uncovered. For example, increased education is believed to have the greatest impact on pedestrian safety. However, education must be preceded by more uniform traffic laws across the country, and these laws, to be effective, must be strictly enforced. Another area which could benefit from further research is uniformity of signs and pavement markings across the country. As well, signs and marking currently vary from city to city and from province to province. Standards in the areas of illumination and aesthetics would also be welcome guides for city traffic authorities.

• Supplemental Notes:
  • Prepared for the Canadian Department of Transportation, the Directorate of Road and Motor Vehicle Traffic Safety.
• Corporate Authors:

  Carleton University

  Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
  1125 Colonel By Drive
  Ottawa, Ontario  Canada  K1S 5B6
• Authors:
  • Braaksma, J P
• Publication Date: 1976-9

Media Info

• Features: Appendices; Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 161 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Aesthetics; Crosswalks; Education; Law enforcement; Lighting; Parking regulations; Passing; Pedestrian safety; Road markings; Traffic control; Traffic signs
• Old TRIS Terms: Overhead lighting; Pedestrian protection; Traffic marking
• Subject Areas: Highways; Operations and Traffic Management; Safety and Human Factors; Security and Emergencies;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00165921
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: TP981 CR7708
• Files: TRIS, ATRI
• Created Date: Apr 12 1978 12:00AM