The objective of this study was to develop crash modification factors (CMFs) and for several different types of pedestrian treatments at unsignalised pedestrian crossings. Ultimately, the four treatment types selected for evaluation included: Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFBs), Pedestrian Hybrid Beacons (PHBs), Pedestrian refuge islands, and Advance Yield or STOP markings and signs. A total of approximately 1,000 treatment and comparison sites were selected from 14 different cities throughout the U.S. Most of the study sites were selected at intersections on urban, multi-lane streets, since these are the situations which have a high risk for pedestrian crashes and where countermeasures are typically most needed. For each study site, relevant data were collected regarding the treatment characteristics, traffic, geometric, and roadway variables, and the pedestrian crashes and other crash types that occurred at each site. Cross-sectional regression models and before/after empirical Bayesian analysis techniques were used to determine the crash effects of each treatment type. All four of the treatment types were found to be associated with reductions in pedestrian crash risk, compared to the untreated sites. Pedestrian hybrid beacons were associated with the greatest benefit to pedestrian crash risk, followed by refuge islands, advance yield/stop lines and signs, and RRFBs. While safety effects were expected to vary based on such factors as number of lanes, traffic volume, operating speed, and perhaps other factors, the data sample did not allow for disaggregation of expected effects. Recommendations were made for incorporating the results of this study into various national guidelines and manuals, with appropriate caveats. (Author/publisher)
Abstract