In 2001, the San Francisco Department of Parking and Traffic equipped 14 intersections with pedestrian countdown signals in a pilot test program. This article discusses the impacts of these devices on collisions, pedestrian behavior and attitudes, motorist behavior and signal maintenance needs. Data analysis showed that the number of pedestrian injury crashes declined significantly after the introduction of the countdown signals. The countdown signals reduced the proportion of pedestrians finishing crossing on red and did not result in an increase in drivers running red lights. The devices were viewed very favorably by pedestrians for providing additional information and were better understood than conventional pedestrian signals. The devices did appear to imply to a substantial proportion of pedestrians that it is proper to start crossing on the flashing red hand. The signals are relatively easy to install and maintain. The LED signals also save energy compared to the incandescent version they replaced. Encouraged by these preliminary results, San Francisco has decided to convert almost all pedestrian signals citywide to the countdown version.
Abstract