Student Researcher: Delia Chi

Faculty Advisor: C. Monsere

ABSTRACT: The safety effectiveness of many engineering treatments is typically evaluated using crash data as the primary performance metric. The evaluation of marked crosswalks, however, is challenging using only crash data. Behavior data is often needed to explain how people are actually using the intersection and can supplement evaluations done with crash data. The major limitation with using behavior data is in its collection, whether by surveying pedestrians and drivers or through observation. Many agencies do not have the time or resources to collect this type of data. This study evaluates the effectiveness of marking crosswalks at unsignalized intersections using behavior change as the performance metric. At two unsignalized intersections in Portland, Oregon, an observational before and after study was conducted. Video for two days before and two days after was collected and analyzed for this research. Exposure data was collected for both vehicles and pedestrians. Observed pedestrian behaviors included the length of time waiting to cross, instances of looking for approaching vehicles, travel path, gait, and gap acceptance. Observed driver behaviors included yielding. Following statistical analyses, the study concluded that overall, marked crosswalks are not effective in changing behaviors that would promote safer crossing conditions or increased pedestrian or driver attentiveness, thereby reducing the risk for potential pedestrian-vehicular crashes.

PRODUCTS:

thesis Chi, D., "Safety Effectiveness from a Behavioral Perspective of Marked vs. Unmarked Crosswalks at Unsignalized Intersections." Field Area Paper, Nohad A. Toulan School of Urban Studies and Planning, Master of Urban and Regional Planning Program, June 2007

presentation Chi, D., "Safety Effectiveness from a Behavioral Perspective of Marked vs. Unmarked Crosswalks at Unsignalized Intersections." Presented at the Center for Transportation Studies Seminar, Portland State University, June 1, 2007 Streaming Video