Comment:
Variables in pedestrian crash data related to crash type at marked and unmarked Crosswalk. The greatest difference between marked and unmarked Crosswalk were multiple-threat crashes (where one vehicle stops for a pedestrian to allow them to cross and another vehicle moving in the same direction does not).

Last Updated (Year): 2005

Year Produced: 2005

Abstract:

Pedestrians are legitimate users of the transportation system, and they should, therefore, be able to use this system safely. Pedestrian needs in crossing streets should be identified, and appropriate solutions should be selected to improve pedestrian safety and access. Deciding where to mark crosswalks is only one consideration in meeting that objective. The purpose of this study was to determine whether marked crosswalks at uncontrolled locations are safer than unmarked crosswalks under various traffic and roadway conditions. Another objective was to provide recommendations on how to provide safer crossings for pedestrians. This study involved an analysis of 5 years of pedestrian crashes at 1,000 marked crosswalks and 1,000 unmarked comparison sites. All sites in this study had no traffic signal or stop sign on the approaches. Detailed data were collected on traffic volume, pedestrian exposure, number of lanes, median type, speed limit, and other site variables. Poisson and negative binomial regressive models were used. The study results revealed that on two-lane roads, the presence of a marked crosswalk alone at an uncontrolled location was associated with no difference in pedestrian crash rate, compared to an unmarked crosswalk. Further, on multilane roads with traffic volumes above about 12,000 vehicles per day, having a marked crosswalk alone (without other substantial improvements) was associated with a higher pedestrian crash rate (after controlling for other site factors) compared to an unmarked crosswalk. Raised medians provided significantly lower pedestrian crash rates on multilane roads, compared to roads with no raised median. Older pedestrians had crash rates that were high relative to their crossing exposure. More substantial improvements were recommended to provide for safer pedestrian crossings on certain roads, such as adding traffic signals with pedestrian signals when warranted, providing raised medians, speed-reducing measures, and others.

For:Walking

The E's:Evaluation

Ped Bike Activity:

• Planning
• Assessment

Ped Bike Topic:

• Traffic Assessment
• Statistics
• Safety
• Research
• Data
• Crashes
• Built environment

Facility Type:Unmarked Crossing, Signals, Signage, Midblock Crossing, Crosswalk

Resource Type:

• Guidance

Link to Content Source:

Safety Effects of Marked versus Unmarked Crosswalks at Uncontrolled Locations: …