Factors Influencing Pedestrian Decisions to Cross Mid-Block and Potential Countermeasures

About the project:

According to the 2017 Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) Pedestrian Safety Action Plan, pedestrian fatalities in Virginia have increased by 19% since 2012, and prior VDOT analyses have shown that about 70% of pedestrian fatalities involve mid-block crossings. Thus, it is critical to examine pedestrian crossing behaviors at mid-block crossings and to investigate factors that drive pedestrians’ decisions to cross. In general, pedestrian crossing behavior is jointly influenced by a variety of factors such as road geometry, traffic conditions, control and enforcement, land use, and pedestrian characteristics. Fully understanding pedestrian crossing behaviors will help reveal the risk mechanism and therefore ensure that appropriate countermeasures can be developed to mitigate crash risk. The goal of this research is to investigate factors influencing pedestrian decisions to cross midblock and identify potential countermeasures to enhance pedestrian safety. The research will accomplish the following objectives: (1) Conduct a comprehensive literature review to summarize key factors affecting pedestrian crossing behaviors, countermeasures (best practices and innovative solutions), and their effectiveness. (2) Develop scientifically rigorous statistical models using field observation and survey data to understand what factors produce high percentages of uncontrolled mid-block crossings. (3) Identify potential countermeasures that best address these factors to improve pedestrian safety.

Project Team

Project Monitor

Other Investigators