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 Orange County intersections, 13 pedestrians with impairments were observed for
walking speed during the study periods. The walking speeds categorized by impairments are listed in
Table H-5. These data are not stratified by age, location, or by type of pedestrian signal because of
the small sample size.
Table H-5. Walking speeds of pedestrians with impairments, regardless of age, in Orange County,
California.
Observed impairment Pedestrians MWS
Cognitive impairment or other (including
inebriation)
Mobility impaired (walked with a cane, crutch,
limp, or push cart)
3 4.20
7 3.00
Motorized wheelchair assisted 3 6.70
MWS for pedestrians with mobility impairments was only 3.00 ft./sec. This walking speed was slower
than the 15th-percentile speed for pedestrians 65 and older at any of the four intersections.
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 intersection C (countdown).
Based on a sample of 31 younger pedestrians, younger pedestrians had a start-up time of 1.20 sec.
at this crossing. Based on a sample of 30 older pedestrians, older pedestrians had a start-up time of
1.60 sec. This is a difference of 0.40 sec., which is not statistically significant.
Compliance
Pedestrians at each intersection were observed during two to three hours of peak vehicle and
pedestrian activity by field observers. 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 and older pedestrians. Observations were
recorded during the hours of peak vehicle activity because vehicle volumes at intersections likely
affect pedestrian compliance to the signal. This is related to the opportunity to cross. That is, at an
intersection with low vehicle volume, pedestrians are more likely to violate the pedestrian signal
because there are more available crossing gaps.