The Effects of Gateway Width on Driver Yielding to Pedestrians: A Systematic and Parametric Analysis
Date of Award
8-2018
Degree Name
Master of Arts
Department
Psychology
First Advisor
Dr. Ron Van Houten
Second Advisor
Dr. Heather McGee
Third Advisor
Dr. Alan Poling
Keywords
Pedestrian, yielding, safety, transportation, behavior
Access Setting
Masters Thesis-Open Access
Abstract
The gateway in-street sign treatment has been demonstrated to be a cost-effective method for increasing driver yielding behavior at crosswalks. In the present study, wide and narrow gateway widths were compared at two sites to determine if there was a differential effect on driver yielding behavior. Then, the relationship between width and yielding was refined with a parametric analysis at one of these sites. Gateway width was varied in two-foot intervals from 12ft to 18ft. The results indicated an inverse relationship between gateway width and driver yielding behavior. There are likely two variables related to this effect. First, because drivers need to navigate between the two signs it is highly likely they need to read the signs (a timely prompt to yield) before traversing the crosswalk, and attending to the sign is likely most probable when the gap is narrow. Second, it has also been determined that there is an inverse relationship between vehicle speed and driver yielding behavior. One reason for this effect may be related to the decreased effort required to brake when traveling at a lower speed than when traveling at a higher speed. Future research should examine whether gap width is inversely related to vehicle speed.
Recommended Citation
Hochmuth, Jonathan M., "The Effects of Gateway Width on Driver Yielding to Pedestrians: A Systematic and Parametric Analysis" (2018). Masters Theses. 3717.
https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/masters_theses/3717