An Investigation of Pedestrian Signals to Reduce Intersection Crashes and Red Light Violations for Elderly Drivers

University  Florida A&M University (FAMU)
Principal Investigators  Doreen Kobelo, Ph.D.
PI Contact Information  School of Architecture and Engineering Technology
Phone: 850.561.2920
Email: doreen.kobelo@famu.edu
Funding Source(s)and Amounts  Provided(by each agency or organization)  USDOT: $198,700
Florida A&M University: $99,400
Total Project Cost  $298,100
Agency ID or Contract Number  DTRT13-G-UTC42-004139-004775
Start and End Dates 1/5/2015 – 8/5/2016
Brief Description of Research Project 

Signalized intersections are designed to reduce the number of traffic conflicts by separating conflicting movements at an intersection. However, signalized intersections are known to have high likelihood of crash occurrences compared to other sections of the roadway. Decisions made by the drivers who are in dilemma zone are sometimes aided by upstream warning signals. Pedestrian signals have the potential of serving as warning signals as pedestrian green time coincides with the green time for corresponding traffic movement. For the elderly drivers, the decision making process is crucial since their perception reaction is longer than the average perception reaction time experienced by younger drivers. This study wishes to investigate the potential of utilizing pedestrian signals as warning signals and their impacts on driver's perception reaction time, specifically the elderly. This study will analyze intersections in Florida with different types of pedestrian signals and evaluate their effectiveness as it pertains to movement of traffic to assist with the reduction of crashes especially elderly crashes and red light violations. Additionally, the study will utilize questionnaire survey to gain insight of how drivers utilize pedestrian signals as warning signals.

Describe Implementation of Research Outcomes (or why not implemented) Place Any Photos Here Final Report
Impacts/Benefits of Implementation (actual, not anticipated) See Final Report