Field Evaluation of New Pedestrian Crossing in Trinidad and Tobago

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Field Evaluation of New Pedestrian Crossing in Trinidad and Tobago

Effect of Flashing Light Operation

Mutabazi, Madaniyo / Dindial, Rondell

The walking mode is receiving more attention today because of its advantages over motorized transport modes, especially for short trips. However, pedestrians are the most vulnerable road users, more so in developing countries. Most pedestrian crashes in Trinidad are reported to involve a pedestrian crossing the roadway. Conventional zebra crossings are used to help pedestrians cross roadways safely; however, most drivers in Trinidad hardly yield to pedestrians who want to cross the road. The government has introduced a new pedestrian zebra crossing intended to increase the rate of drivers yielding to pedestrians. As part of the evaluation of the new crossing, observations of driver behavior were made at several of these crossings. The proportion of drivers stopping for pedestrians who have stepped in the crossing increased from 4% at crossings in which the flashing lights were not yet activated to 22% at crossings in which flashing lights were activated. Corresponding proportions for drivers who do not stop or slow to allow pedestrians to cross the road were 25% and 17%, respectively. Activation of flashing lights at zebra crossings in Trinidad has increased the proportion of drivers stopping for pedestrians and reduced the proportion of drivers who do not stop or slow down to allow pedestrians to cross the road.