Evaluation Of The Effectiveness Of Pedestrian Countdown Signals

Pedestrian countdown signals (PCSs) are specifically designed to improve pedestrian safety at intersections. Installation of these devices may be with push buttons or without push buttons. Studies have shown that intersections where PCSs with push buttons have been installed have recorded reduction in pedestrian violation as well as reduction in the number of pedestrians trapped in the roadway. Studies have also shown that PCSs may be used by approaching drivers in the same way as other traffic signal anticipation devices such as green signal countdown (GSC). While other signal anticipation devices have been found to benefit drivers, a very limited number of studies have focused on PCSs benefits to drivers. In addition, very limited studies have been done on the comparison of the effectiveness of PCSs with push buttons and PCSs without push buttons. The study revealed a comparatively higher reduction in crashes involving drivers, pedestrians and bicyclists at intersections where PCSs with push buttons only have been installed. A combined sample sites where PCSs with push and non-push buttons have been installed also showed reductions in driver, pedestrian and bicyclist crashes. However, intersections where PCSs with non-push button only have been installed saw insignificant increases in crashes involving drivers and pedestrians 65 years and below. An economic analysis conducted for PCS showed a tremendous benefit-cost ratio of 459:1. The findings in this study are consistent with previous studies documented in the literature review section.