Development of Crash Modification Factors for Uncontrolled Pedestrian Crossing Treatments

There is considerable uncertainty and confusion surrounding the use of pedestrian crossing treatments at uncontrolled locations. Research shows that marking crosswalks without making additional improvements is associated with higher pedestrian crash rates under certain roadway configurations and operating characteristics (Zegeer, C.H., Stewart, J.R., Huang, H.H., and Lagerway, P.A. Safety Effects of Marked vs. Unmarked Crosswalks at Uncontrolled Locations, Federal Highway Administration, 2001). However, failing to provide crossing opportunities or over-improving an area are both undesirable solutions. Where a crosswalk alone might lead to increased pedestrian crashes, Zegeer et al. recommend enhanced crossing treatments, noting that “pedestrian crossing problems and needs should be routinely identified, and appropriate solutions should be selected to improve pedestrian safety and access. ”While several studies have examined pedestrian safety at uncontrolled crossing locations, robust crash modification factors (CMFs) are generally lacking. Research is needed to enable state and local transportation agencies to quantify the safety benefits of pedestrian crossing treatments and to incorporate these treatments into their safety programs. The objectives of this research are to (1) quantify the relationships between pedestrian safety and crossing treatments at uncontrolled locations (excluding roundabouts) and (2) develop CMFs by crash type and severity for (a) unsignalized pedestrian crosswalk signs and pavement markings, including advance yield markings; (b) high-intensity activated crosswalk (HAWK) signals; (c) rectangular rapid flashing beacons; (d) pedestrian refuge areas; (e) curb extensions; (f) in-pavement warning lights; and (g) high-visibility crosswalk marking patterns. The quality of data used should facilitate inclusion of the CMFs into the AASHTO Highway Safety Manual.

• Record URL:
  http://apps.trb.org/cmsfeed/TRBNetProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=3178

Language

• English

Project

• Status: Completed
• Funding: $500000
• Contract Numbers:

  Project 17-56

• Sponsor Organizations:

  National Cooperative Highway Research Program

  Transportation Research Board
  500 Fifth Street, NW
  Washington, DC  United States  20001

  Federal Highway Administration

  1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
  Washington, DC  United States  20590

  American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO)

  444 North Capitol Street, NW
  Washington, DC  United States  20001
• Performing Organizations:

  University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill

  ,    
• Principal Investigators:

  Zegeer, Charles

• Start Date: 20121101
• Expected Completion Date: 20141031
• Actual Completion Date: 20141031

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Crash modification factors; Crosswalks; Pedestrian safety; Unsignalized intersections
• Subject Areas: Design; Highways; Operations and Traffic Management; Pedestrians and Bicyclists; Safety and Human Factors;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01926485
• Record Type: Research project
• Source Agency: Transportation Research Board
• Contract Numbers: Project 17-56
• Files: TRB, RIP
• Created Date: Aug 5 2024 7:17PM