An Intersection Database Enhances Blind Pedestrians’ Access to Complex Signalized Intersections: Stage 2 Analysis & Database Development

This project investigated the effects of providing verbal descriptions of intersections and crosswalks on the performance of street-crossing subtasks by individuals who are totally blind. The intersections included crosswalks that varied widely in geometric and operational characteristics, including the presence or absence of accessibility features. In the no-database condition, participants used their typical street-crossing procedures. In the database-condition, participants additionally listened to database-generated descriptions of the intersections and crosswalks before crossing. The database descriptions had significant positive effects on some subtasks (primarily “crossing” subtasks such as deciding when to cross) and not others (primarily “wayfinding” subtasks such as remaining in the crosswalk)

Language

  • English

Project

  • Status: Completed
  • Funding: $78794
  • Contract Numbers:

    DTRT13-G-UTC60 TRC-1701

  • Sponsor Organizations:

    Office of the Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology

    University Transportation Centers Program
    Department of Transportation
    Washington, DC  United States  20590
  • Managing Organizations:

    Transportation Research Center for Livable Communities

    Western Michigan University
    Kalamazoo, MI  United States  49009-5316
  • Project Managers:

    Dunn, Denise

  • Performing Organizations:

    Western Michigan University

    1903 W. Michigan Avenue
    Kalamazoo, MI  United States  49008-5241
  • Principal Investigators:

    Kim, Dae

    Guth, David

    Ponchillia, Paul

    Barlow, Janet

    Rodegerdts, Lee

  • Start Date: 20170815
  • Expected Completion Date: 20180831
  • Actual Completion Date: 20180831
  • USDOT Program: University Transportation Centers
  • Subprogram: Research
  • Source Data: https://wmich.edu/sites/default/files/attachments/u883/2019/Final%20Technical%20Report%20%28TRCLC%2017-01%29.pdf

Subject/Index Terms

Filing Info

  • Accession Number: 01646002
  • Record Type: Research project
  • Source Agency: Transportation Research Center for Livable Communities
  • Contract Numbers: DTRT13-G-UTC60 TRC-1701
  • Files: UTC, RIP
  • Created Date: Sep 14 2017 7:41PM