Pedestrian Signal Safety - AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety

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Table A-5. Percentage of pedestrians successfully served by traditional and pedestrian countdown
indications.
Successfully served by pedestrian
indications showing only international
symbols or English text
Successfully served by pedestrian
indications showing international
symbols with a flashing hand and a
numeric countdown
Total Seniors
Other
adults
Teens
67 57 72 53
75 68 78 73
DO PEDESTRIAN COUNTDOWN SIGNALS RESULT IN A HIGHER LEVEL OF SERVICE
FOR PEDESTRIANS?
• Yes, if plenty of time remains to cross for faster than average pedestrians.
• It is complicated enough as it is. That is the beauty of the countdown signal; it makes the
pedestrian signal understandable.
• Yes; starting to cross during FDW should be allowed if the pedestrian can enter the crosswalk
at a walking speed and still complete the crossing prior to the beginning of conflicting green.
• Yes. It appears to give pedestrians the opportunity for a more informed choice.
• It gives pedestrians additional information and they can make an informed choice as to
whether they want to cross.
• Fewer pedestrians are in the crosswalk at the onset of clearance interval.
• Yes, pedestrians can gauge their own crossing time by their abilities.
• It tells people the time available and most are prudent once they know it.
• Yes, if a higher LOS means reduced delay.
• Although more pedestrians are starting their crossing during the FDW, more pedestrians also
finish during the same interval.
• Yes, with particularly aggressive pedestrians; others wait for the new WALK.
• Yes. Once people see the number of seconds left, and if they believe they can make it across
[the street], they will cross with the flashing hand. Teenagers would use it. Seniors and people
who do not cross at a location regularly may not cross because of the flashing hand.
• Yes; pedestrians enter at their own risk if they believe they can make it across.
• Yes, but the number of pedestrians in the crosswalk at the onset of amber is also reduced (i.e.
the pedestrians speed up to clear the intersection).