The objective of this research was to determine the effect of crosswalk markings on driver and pedestrian behaviour at unsignalised intersections. A before/after evaluation of crosswalk markings was conducted at 11 locations in 4 U.S. cities. behaviour observed included: pedestrian crossing location, vehicle speeds, driver yielding, and pedestrian crossing behaviour. It was found that drivers approach a pedestrian in a crosswalk somewhat slower, and that crosswalk usage increases after markings are installed. No evidence was found indicating that pedestrians are less vigilant in a marked crosswalk. No changes were found in driver yielding or pedestrian assertiveness. Overall, it appears that marking pedestrian crosswalks at relatively low-speed, low-volume, unsignalised intersections is a desirable practice, based on the sample of sites used in this study. (Author/publisher)
Abstract