Lighting Strategies to Increase Nighttime Pedestrian Visibility at Midblock Crosswalks

In the last decade, pedestrian fatalities at night, especially midblock locations, have been increasing an alarming rate. Lighting is effective countermeasure in reducing nighttime crashes. However, few studies evaluated effects of crosswalk lighting on visibility locations. There existing need to develop designs that increase visibility. Further, safety never directly compared other pedestrian-crossing treatments (such as flashing signs, rectangular rapid beacons (RRFBs), etc.). Thus, order make recommendations for visibility, it important compare benefits with and without treatments. This study visual performance five along two countermeasures three light levels a realistic crosswalk. Visual was measured by calculating distance which participants could detect child-sized mannequin under conditions. The results showed crosswalks should be illuminated average vertical illuminance 10 lux ensure optimal render positive contrast (area front illuminated) are recommended It also treatments, such RRFBs used