Scanning “Eyes” Symbol as Part of the Walk Signal: Examination Across Several Intersection Geometries and Timing Parameters

The use of animated scanning “eyes” in conjunction with Walk interval was examined by a series of studies. In the first experiment, conflicts that involved either the pedestrian or the motorist taking evasive action were examined before and after the scanning eyes were introduced at the following locations: two intersections with one-way traffic on both streets, four intersections with two-way traffic on both streets, and two intersections with one-way traffic on one street and two-way traffic on the other. Conflicts were reduced at crosswalks on all eight streets; reductions on seven of the eight streets were significant. The second experiment examined whether it was better to have the eyes look in both directions (eyes scanning back and forth with equal dwell times in each direction) or only in the direction of the threat (unequal dwell times with the eyes looking longer in the direction of the threat at crosswalks on one-way streets). Results showed that looking one way was no more effective than looking both ways. The effectiveness of steady versus intermittently applied scanning eyes was examined in the second experiment and in the third. The results of this study show that a steady scanning eyes display applied in conjunction with the Walk interval was no more effective than an intermittently applied scanning eyes display, with the eyes alternately on for 3.5 s and off for 3.5 s, but was more effective than an intermittent scanning eyes display that was alternately on for 3.5 s and off for 7 s.