Pedestrian Signal Safety - AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety
Pedestrian Signal Safety - AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety
Pedestrian Signal Safety - AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety
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<strong>Pedestrian</strong>s with Impairments<br />
<strong>Pedestrian</strong>s with discernable mobility or visual impairments were recorded separately, regardless of<br />
their age. At the Broward County intersections, 12 pedestrians with impairments were observed <strong>for</strong><br />
walking speeds during the study periods. The walking speeds categorized by impairments are listed<br />
in Table C-5. These data are not stratified by age due to the small sample size.<br />
Table C-5. Walking speeds of pedestrians with impairments, regardless of age, in Broward County,<br />
Florida.<br />
Observed impairment <strong>Pedestrian</strong>s MWS<br />
Visually impaired 1 4.60<br />
Mobility impaired (walked with a cane,<br />
crutch, or push cart)<br />
10 3.40<br />
Motorized wheelchair assisted 1 3.60<br />
Ten pedestrians with mobility impairments were observed during the study period. MWS <strong>for</strong> these<br />
pedestrians was only 3.40 ft./sec. The walking speed was slower than the 15th percentile <strong>for</strong><br />
pedestrians 65 and older <strong>for</strong> all but one leg of the four intersections.<br />
Start-Up Times<br />
<strong>Pedestrian</strong>s who approached the intersection during the steady DON’T WALK (DW) interval and<br />
waited <strong>for</strong> the WALK interval were observed to determine their start-up lost time. This is the time from<br />
when the WALK indication is displayed on the pedestrian signal until the pedestrian leaves the curb<br />
and starts his or her crossing. This start-up time is related to the pedestrian’s reaction to the signal<br />
timing. However, there could be other factors, such as turning vehicles still in the intersection, that<br />
may cause a pedestrian to delay his or her start across the intersection. No distinction was made<br />
between those who waited <strong>for</strong> turning vehicles and those who simply did not react to the signal as<br />
quickly. Only pedestrians who arrived prior to the onset of the WALK interval were included in this<br />
analysis.<br />
Observations were recorded <strong>for</strong> pedestrians across the major leg of A1A (Ocean Boulevard) and<br />
Oakland Park (traditional). Based on a sample of 41 younger pedestrians, younger pedestrians had<br />
a mean start-up time of 2.42 sec. at this crossing. Based on a sample of 23 older pedestrians, older<br />
pedestrians had a start-up time of 2.94 sec. This is a difference of 0.52 sec.<br />
Compliance<br />
<strong>Pedestrian</strong>s at each intersection were observed during two hours of peak vehicle and pedestrian<br />
activity using the PATH system. For each pedestrian, observers recorded the pedestrian signal<br />
indication (WALK, FDW, or DW) that was displayed when the pedestrian entered the intersection.<br />
Observations were recorded separately <strong>for</strong> younger pedestrians and those 65 and older.<br />
Observations were recorded during the three hours of peak vehicle activity because vehicle volumes<br />
at intersections likely affect pedestrian compliance to the signal. This is related to the opportunity to<br />
cross. That is, at an intersection with low vehicle volume, pedestrians are more likely to violate the<br />
pedestrian signal because there are more available crossing gaps.