Pedestrian Signal Safety - AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety

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Pedestrians with Impairments
Pedestrians with discernable mobility or visual impairments were recorded separately, regardless
of their age. At the White Plains intersections, 21 pedestrians with impairments were observed for
walking speeds during the study periods. The walking speeds categorized by impairments are listed
in Table F-5. These data are not stratified by age because of the small sample size.
Table F-5. Walking speeds of pedestrians with impairments, regardless of age, in White Plains, New
York.
Observed impairment Pedestrians MWS
Visually impaired 4 4.7
Mobility impaired (walked with a cane, crutch,
or push cart)
15 3.0
Motorized wheelchair assisted 2 4.4
Fifteen pedestrians with mobility impairments were observed during the study period. MWS for these
pedestrians was only 3.00 ft./sec. This walking speed was slower than the 15th-percentile speed for
older pedestrians at any of the four intersections.
For younger pedestrians, MWS at intersections equipped with TPS was the same as those
intersections equipped with PCD signals, 5.00 ft./sec. For older pedestrians, MWS was slighter faster
at intersections equipped with PCD signals.
Start-Up Times
Pedestrians who approached the intersection during the steady DON’T WALK (DW) interval and
waited for the WALK interval were observed to determine their start-up lost time. This is the time from
when the WALK indication is displayed on the pedestrian signal until the pedestrian leaves the curb
and starts his or her crossing. This start-up time is related to the pedestrian’s reaction to the signal
timing. However, there could be other factors, such as turning vehicles still in the intersection, that
may cause a pedestrian to delay his or her start across the intersection. No distinction was made
between those who waited for turning vehicles and those who simply did not react to the signal as
quickly. Only pedestrians who arrived prior to the onset of the WALK interval were included in this
analysis.
Observations were recorded for pedestrians across the major leg of Mamaroneck and Post
(traditional). Based on a sample of 153 younger pedestrians, younger pedestrians had a start-up time
of 1.13 sec. at this crossing. Based on a sample of 30 older pedestrians, older pedestrians had a
start-up time of 1.80 sec. This is a difference of 0.67 sec.
Compliance
Pedestrians at each intersection were observed during two hours of peak vehicle and pedestrian
activity using the PATH system. For each pedestrian, observers recorded the pedestrian signal
indication (WALK, FDW, or DW) that was displayed when the pedestrian entered the intersection.
Observations were recorded separately for younger pedestrians and those 65 and older.
Observations were recorded during the three hours of peak vehicle activity because vehicle volumes
at intersections likely affect pedestrian compliance to the signal. This is related to the opportunity to