Analysis of Pedestrian Gait and Perception-Reaction at Signal-Controlled Crosswalk Intersections

Abstract

Pedestrian accident analysis and reconstruction remain the most difficult areas for the accident analyst. Although data relating to average pedestrian walking speeds, perception-reaction, and pedestrian accident reconstruction can be found in the literature, proper pedestrian study data pertaining to real-life situations are lacking. Pedestrians were observed at signal-controlled crosswalk intersections, and their perception-reaction to the crosswalk signal, acceleration rate to reach constant walking velocity, and average walking speed once steady state velocity is achieved were determined. Experimental test data collected regarding pedestrian gait analysis, initiation, and steady state walking speeds are presented. “Real world” pedestrian observations were gathered at a variety of intersections, ranging from busy downtown intersections to suburban intersections throughout the greater Los Angeles area. Kinematic data on pedestrian movements were obtained using high-speed digital video. A high-speed video motion analysis system was used to reduce the data and to obtain the mean acceleration and time to steady state walking velocity. Perception-reaction data collected on 288 subjects show a significant percentage of the pedestrians initiating movement within 1 s of Walk light illumination. Some differences were observed when the state of anticipation was being considered, and these results are presented. The mean acceleration (0.14 ± 0.09 g) and steady state velocity (1.36 ± 0.24 m/s) values did not demonstrate a significant difference between males and females. The width of the street or initial state of anticipation did not have an effect on either mean acceleration values or steady state velocities.

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