transportation

Automated pedestrian detection systems provide the means to detect the presence
of pedestrians as they approach the curb prior to crossing the street, and then t
hese systems call the Walk signal without any action required on the part of the
pedestrians. These detectors can also extend the clearance interval in order to a
llow slower persons to finish crossing. Whether automated pedestrian detectors, w
hen used in conjunction with standard pedestrian push buttons, would result in fe
wer overall pedestrian-vehicle conflicts and fewer inappropriate crossings (i.e.,
pedestrians' beginning to cross during a Don't Walk signal) was evaluated. Befor
e and after video data were collected at intersection locations in Los Angeles, C
alifornia (infrared and microwave), Phoenix, Arizona (microwave), and Rochester,
New York (microwave). The results indicated a significant reduction in vehicle-pe
destrian conflicts, as well as a reduction in the number of pedestrians beginning
to c...