An evaluation of crosswalk warning systems: effects on pedestrian and vehicle behaviour

A field experiment with a new type of uncontrolled pedestrian crossing is presented. The type includes a system for detecting pedestrians near the crosswalk zone and for warning drivers on pedestrian presence, by means of flashing lights embedded in the pavement adjacent to a marked crossing. To evaluate the effects of the device on pedestrian and vehicle behaviours, two variants of the device were installed at four urban locations. The findings are that, under certain conditions, the device can bring about a decrease of 2–5 kph in average vehicle speeds, near the crosswalk zone; an increase in the rate of giving way to pedestrians (e.g. doubling the rate of giving way to a pedestrian, in the situations of beginning a crossing, to some 40%); a significant reduction in vehicle–pedestrian conflicts in the crosswalk zone––to a rate of <1%; a reduction in the share of pedestrians crossing outside the crosswalk area––up to 10%. No improper influence of the system on keeping to safe crossing rules by the pedestrians, was found. Based on the study results, crosswalk site conditions for beneficial system’s implementation were recommended.