Signalling arrangements are often of concern to pedestrians, who can feel threatened by turning vehicles and frequently complain the signal phasing gives them inadequate protection. To address such concerns, a number of sites in Sydney, Wollongong and Queanbeyan provided turning drivers with additional information in the form of a flashing amber turning arrow to complement the flashing red display provided to the pedestrian. On-site evaluation studies and early crash analysis were unable to determine the effects on pedestrians of the flashing amber turning arrow. A simulation evaluation by Monash University Accident Research Centre investigated the effects of the treatment on driver travelling speed, headways, yielding behaviour, comprehension and other behavioural measures. The lack of research showing the treatments to be of negative benefit and the demonstration in the simulation studies of some potentially encouraging behavioural features allowed continuation of the work until more definitive crash trends could be identified. More recent studies show a possibility that positive crash reduction benefits may be realised although the results remain statistically not significant. This paper reports the methods used to assess the effectiveness of a flashing amber arrow system and the associated outcomes for pedestrian safety. The conclusion is there is no compelling reason for not allowing the flashing amber arrow treatment to proceed at least until a more statistically relevant outcome is available. (a) For the covering entry of this conference, please see ITRD abstract no. 0612AR242E.
Abstract