Interaction between different road user groups, and how to deal with this, is a very varied and challenging topic in traffic planning, traffic management and traffic system design activities. This paper concentrates on and discusses the interaction between car drivers and pedestrians at non-signalised pedestrian crossings. This kind of traffic system element is treated in different ways in different countries, and no real 'truth' seems to have been developed. An attempt has been done in the Zero Vision, established as a fundamental traffic safety strategy in Sweden, Norway and in several other countries. One main outcome of this vision is the 'truth' that the speed of cars should not be more than 30 km/h where there is a possible interaction between cars and crossing pedestrians. In spite of this, the practical situation in towns and villages is quite different. Crossings of pedestrians frequently occur where the speed level is 50 km/h or even more. Sometimes a non-signalised zebra marked or a signalised pedestrian crossing is provided at such places, sometimes not, even where the pedestrian traffic is substantial. Severe accidents occur, partly because the necessary speed reduction is not obtained, and maybe partly because the pedestrian feels too safe, mislead by the design and his or her belief in the drivers' compliance with the traffic rules. Based on a literature study of Swedish and international pedestrian studies, and a recent Norwegian work on criteria and guidelines for implementation, safety measures and regulation of pedestrian crossings, the following problem areas will be discussed : - What are the consequences on safety, interaction behaviour and delays of different speed levels for the 'high speeds' (the 85th percentile) at the crossing? - In spite of the zero vision 'truth', is 40 km/h an acceptable speed level, and a practical compromise? These questions are discussed and illustrated by two practical examples from Trondheim: - Discussions about new speed limits in the town centre; - A study of the consequences of upgrading of the zebra crossings in order to meet the criteria from the new Norwegian guidelines. (Author/publisher)
Abstract