The primary objective of this study is to develop a safety index that will allow engineers, planners, and other practitioners to prioritize intersection crosswalks with respect to pedestrian safety. The study involved collecting data relative to pedestrian crashes, conflicts, avoidance maneuvers, as well as subjective ratings of intersection video clips by pedestrian professionals. There were a total of 68 intersection approaches selected for the pedestrian analysis from Philadelphia, PA, San Jose, CA, and Miami-Dade County, FL. A predictive model was developed based primarily on intersection ratings and avoidance maneuvers. Variables in the pedestrian safety model included number of through lanes, 85th percentile vehicle speed, type of intersection control (signal or stop sign), main street traffic volume, and area type. Through a user-friendly guide, the index can be used to identify which crosswalks in a city have the highest priority for pedestrian safety improvements. Specific countermeasures can then be implemented to reduce certain types of hazards. The intersection index developed in this study should also be helpful in influencing future intersection design.
Abstract