An evaluation of pedestrian countdown signals

Abstract

In order to reduce complaints on the present pedestrian signal system and improve service to pedestrians, police installed pedestrian countdown signals at some crosswalks in selected cities for testing. This study was undertaken to evaluate the effects of pedestrian countdown signals in Korea and to compare the numeric and graphic countdown signals. The countdown signals had a positive effect on pedestrians and drivers compliance with the flashing Walking Person signal. A potential drawback for the countdown signals, however, is that more pedestrians remain on the crosswalk after the Standing Person signal appears. Comparing the two types of countdown signals revealed that the numeric countdown is more desirable than the graphic countdown for pedestrians compliance with the flashing Walking Person signal. But, the graphic countdown is more desirable than the numeric countdown for finishing crossing before the Standing Person signal appears and for drivers compliance with the flashing Walking Person signal. Further research is necessary to determine which of the two types of countdown signals is more effective. Sixty-two percent of the pedestrians surveyed claimed they were comfortable with the countdown signals. Likewise, Seventy-two percent of the respondents said countdown signals were helpful in determining walking speed. Sixty-eight percent also thought that countdown signals helped them decide whether to enter the crosswalk. Seventy-five percent preferred countdown signals to conventional signals, while sixty-nine percent preferred the numeric to the graphic countdown signal.