Event-Based Modeling of Driver Yielding Behavior at Unsignalized Crosswalks

Abstract

This research explores factors associated with driver yielding behavior at unsignalized pedestrian crossings and develops predictive models for yielding using logistic regression. It considers the effect of variables describing driver attributes, pedestrian characteristics and concurrent conditions at the crosswalk on the yield response. Special consideration is given to ‘vehicle dynamics constraints’ that form a threshold for the potential to yield. Similarities are identified to driver reaction in response to the ‘amber’ indication at a signalized intersection. The logit models were developed from data collected at two unsignalized mid-block crosswalks in North Carolina. The data include ‘before’ and ‘after’ observations of two pedestrian safety treatments, an in-street pedestrian crossing sign and pedestrian-actuated in-roadway warning lights. The analysis suggests that drivers are more likely to yield to assertive pedestrians who walk briskly in their approach to the crosswalk. In turn, the yield probability is reduced with higher speeds, deceleration rates and if vehicles are traveling in platoons. The treatment effects proved to be significant and increased the propensity of drivers to yield, but their effectiveness may be dependent on whether the pedestrian activates the treatment. The results of this research provide new insights on the complex interaction of pedestrians and vehicles at unsignalized intersections and have implications for future work towards predictive models for driver yielding behavior. The developed logit models can provide the basis for representing driver yielding behavior in a microsimulation modeling environment.

Motorist yield rate model at unsignalized crossings

“…The research could be continued in the field of nonlinear and dynamic modelling as well, a previous research in this filled could be used for choosing potential variables which would be included in the model [2,4,9]. Also, further research might include the application of class of positive system [17] for creating macroscopic traffic models for large-scale dynamic road networks.…”

“…When it comes to model design, the present MYR researches were directed towards designing probable models, i.e. determining the probability of vehicles stopping at a pedestrian crossing depending on variables connected to vehicle characteristics, pedestrians and traffic conditions [4,9,2]. In the available references there are no researches that dealt with the problem of model design for MYR and selection of influential variables.…”

“…Research done in the United States of America (USA) showed that factors such as road width, number of traffic lanes, allowed speed and built street environment affect MYR [1,2,3]. Most of the researches studied MYR depending on the type of pedestrian crossing, in the sense of it being equipped with certain devices which can rarely be found in a city street network in South-Eastern Europe.…”

Modeling and Analyzing the Impact of Advanced Technologies on Livability and Multimodal Transportation Performance Measures in Arterial Corridors: Phase 2

“…On the other hand, wider roads are associated with higher speeds and more crashes; there is a strong relationship between vehicle-pedestrian crash severity and speed (Gårder, 2004). A vehicle that can safely stop when a pedestrian enters the crosswalk is more likely to yield, especially if the required deceleration rate is less than 10 ft/s 2 (Schroeder & Rouphail, 2011). A vehicle that is a part of a platoon is more likely to yield than a vehicle that is not a part of a platoon, and drivers are more likely to yield when pedestrians are aggressive (Schroeder & Rouphail, 2011).…”

“…A vehicle that can safely stop when a pedestrian enters the crosswalk is more likely to yield, especially if the required deceleration rate is less than 10 ft/s 2 (Schroeder & Rouphail, 2011). A vehicle that is a part of a platoon is more likely to yield than a vehicle that is not a part of a platoon, and drivers are more likely to yield when pedestrians are aggressive (Schroeder & Rouphail, 2011). Some treatments such as raised medians, traffic and pedestrian signals, curb extensions, raised islands, tighter turn radii, and adequate nighttime lighting can help reduce crash frequency or severity (Meat et al, 2014).…”