WTI

Safety Evaluation of "Yield To Pedestrian Crossing Devices" (YTPCD) at Non Signalized and Mid Block Crossing

Primary Investigator Contact Information

External Project Contact(s)

Report(s)

1. Safety Evaluation of Yield-to-Pedestrian Channelizing Devices Final Report
   1. Christopher Strong, Manjunathan Kumar
   2. 4W0968_Final_Report.pdf
2. Executive Summary
   1. Christopher Strong, Manjunathan Kumar
   2. 4W0968_Exec_Summary.pdf

Project Objective

To assess the safety benefit of “yield to pedestrian” channelizing devices and provide recommendations regarding their future usage in Pennsylvania.

Project Abstract

In 2004, there were 4,641 highway fatalities recorded in the United States involving pedestrians. Statistics in Pennsylvania follow suit,, showing that a significant number—150 in 2004—of highway accident fatalities are pedestrians. To address these safety challenges in an economical way, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) has purchased hundreds of yield-to-pedestrian channelizing devices (YTPCD) to remind motorists of the need to yield right-of-way to pedestrians. More than 1,300 of the devices that have been distributed to municipalities within the state are placed prior to a painted marked crosswalk, in the center of the road, in hopes of improving motorist awareness of pedestrians who may be crossing. With PennDOT having made a significant commitment to these low-cost devices, it is important to know how effective they may be, and where they would be most effective. This project will involve field testing of YTPCD implemented at locations throughout Pennsylvania representing a mix of development and traffic patterns. The research will result in an assessment of the safety benefit of these devices through surrogate measures, and will provide recommendations regarding their future usage in Pennsylvania.

Task Descriptions

1. Project Methodology Development
   1. Develop a document that outlines a methodology for collecting data on behavioral changes that YTPCD could affect in both drivers and pedestrians.
2. Observational Analysis
   1. Interpret data collected under Task 2 using measures of effectiveness for each observed location before and after YTPCD installation.
3. Final Report, Oral Presentation and "Ideas Have Consequences"
   1. Deliverables will include a final project report, an oral presentation, and a summary of the research for PennDOT’s “Ideas Have Consequences” series.
4. Development of an Observational Findings Summary Report
   1. Collect the behavioral data to support this project’s evaluation activities using the methodology developed in Task 1.

Milestones, Dates, Schedule

Student Involvement

False

Relationship to Other Research Projects

False

Technology Transfer Activities

False

Transportation Research Board Keywords

YTPCD, yield to pedestrians, pedestrian safety, traffic control devices

Partners

Pennsylvania Department of Transportation