Evaluation of Pedestrian and Driver Behaviors at Countdown Pedestrian Signals in Peoria, Illinois

Abstract

A study was conducted to assess the effectiveness of countdown pedestrian signals on both pedestrian and motorist behaviors at 13 intersections in Peoria, Illinois. The variables tested in this study included the proportion of pedestrians who started crossing the street during the “Walk,” flashing “Don't Walk,” and steady “Don't Walk” intervals, as well as vehicular positions in the intersection with respect to the traffic signal indication (late in the yellow signal indication and after the red signal indication). A before-and-after study was used at three intersections at which the pedestrian countdown signals were installed. Additionally, five test intersections with countdown pedestrian signals were compared with five control intersections with traditional pedestrian signals. The traffic volumes, geometry, and adjacent land use at the control sites were similar to those at the test sites; however, the control sites did not have the countdown feature. The results of the study indicate that countdown pedestrian signals are effective in enhancing pedestrian safety. No evidence of increased risk-taking behavior of motorists while they were traversing the intersections with countdown pedestrian signals was observed.

The impact of pedestrian countdown signals on pedestrian–motor vehicle collisions: a quasi-experimental study

“…Several studies have examined the effect of PCS on driver behaviour 10–16 and pedestrian attitudes and behaviour. 10–13 17 18 Only three studies have included collision data, with mixed findings.…”

“…Several studies have examined the effect of PCS on driver behaviour 10–16 and pedestrian attitudes and behaviour. 10–13 17 18 Only three studies have included collision data, with mixed findings. 10 11 19 Botha et al 10 reported no PCS effect; however, their study was limited to a small number of intersections, few collisions and a short observation period.…”

Pedestrian signalization and the risk of pedestrian-motor vehicle collisions in Lima, Peru

“…In Lima, few intersections have an exclusive left-turn phase, thus many turning vehicles compete with pedestrians crossing in the path of the turning vehicle. There is evidence from at least one study that may indicate that pedestrian countdown signals like those observed in this study may be have a slightly higher risk of pedestrian collisions (Richmond et al 2013), though other smaller studies have observed a potential improvement in pedestrian safety with these signals (Schattler et al 2007, Nambisan and Karkee 2010, Pulugurtha et al 2010). …”

The impact of pedestrian countdown signals on single and two vehicle motor vehicle collisions: a quasi-experimental study

“…The effects were greatest at intersections with either a high number of collisions or a high volume of daytime traffic during the baseline period (Pulugurtha et al, 2010). Schattler, Wakim, Datta, and McAvoy (2007) studied pedestrian and driver behaviour using both a before-and-after study of three intersections and a comparative study of five intersections in the USA, with and without PCS. They reported improved pedestrian compliance but no change in amber or red light running by motorists (Schattler et al, 2007).…”

“…Schattler, Wakim, Datta, and McAvoy (2007) studied pedestrian and driver behaviour using both a before-and-after study of three intersections and a comparative study of five intersections in the USA, with and without PCS. They reported improved pedestrian compliance but no change in amber or red light running by motorists (Schattler et al, 2007). Eccles, Tao, and Mangum (2004) studied pedestrian and driver behaviour using a before-and-after study of five intersections in Montgomery County, Maryland with PCS.…”