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https://nap.nationalacademies.org/catalog/27432/critical-issues-in-transportation-for-2024-and-beyond

Enhanced Pedestrian Crossing - Experimenting with Alternatives to MUTCD standards for Crossing Signals and Evaluating Best Practices for Installing Accessible Pedestrian Signals

All new pedestrian signals and pedestrian signal modifications in Delaware utilize Countdown Pedestrian Signals. A countdown timer is displayed next to the flashing hand indication during the pedestrian clearance phase. Several national studies have shown that the public understands these indications better than the standard flashing hand indication, and at least one large study in San Francisco showed reduced pedestrian crashes. However, per the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), the end of the countdown coincides with the end of the respective green cycle. The remaining yellow interval serves as additional time for crossing. Ten to twenty sites will be selected for an experiment with the end of the countdown timing coinciding with the beginning of the associated green phase. essentially eliminating the additional time provided by the yellow interval. Data will be collected at all sites operating per MUTCD standards and then the countdown timer will be altered to coincide with the end of the yellow phase. Data could be collected by several sources, including video recording, visual observation and surveys parameters which will be used for the comparison could include percent late arrivals (pedestrians who clear the crosswalk after the end of the countdown timer), percent late departures (pedestrians who enter the crosswalk with insufficient time to cross), number of vehicle/pedestrian conflicts (cases where drivers with the right of way are forced to brake early or are unable to accelerate when possible due to pedestrians). This project will also evaluate Accessible Pedestrian Signals (APS, also known as audible pedestrian signals). APS is used to assist the visually impaired in crossing the street. Crossings where APS is installed will be evaluated for enhanced pedestrian safety and pedestrian satisfaction.