Pedestrian Signalization Alternatives
Final Report
Source: Federal Highway Administration
The presence of standard-timed pedestrian (WALK/DONT WALK) signals was found to have no significant effect on pedestrian accidents. However, scramble (or exclusive) pedestrian timing was associated with significantly lower pedestrian accidents. Current MUTCD warrants for pedestrian signals were evaluated and Warrent 3 (Minimum Pedestrian Warrant) was found to be ineffective. An improved warrant was developed and is recommended for adoption.
Several new sign and signal alternatives were developed and field tested to indicate the clearance interval and to warn of pedestrian-vehicle conflicts. The alternatives recommended for inclusino in the MUTCD at high pedestrian hazard intersections include the WALK WITH CARE signal, a YIELD TO PEDESTRIANS WHEN TURNING regulatory sign, a PEDESTRIANS WATCH FOR TURNING VEHICLES warning sign, and a pedestrian signal explanatino sign (word and symbolic). A three-phase pedestrian signal using DONT START to indicate the clearance interval was recommended for additional testing, and little or no benefit was found from the flashing WALK or the steady DONT WALK. Allowing pedestrians to yield to traffic and cross against the pedestrian signal was found to be undesirable based on safety considerations.
The Appendixes are available upon request from the Federal Highway Administration.
