Document Type

Report

Publication Date

8-31-2015

Abstract

There is a dearth of studies on how pedestrian who are blind might positively influence driver yielding in different travel situations. This project assessed common pedestrian behaviors (head turning, holding a cane, taking a step, holding up a hand, exaggerated cane movement, standing without a cane) on yielding rate for right turning traffic at lighted intersections as well as at entry and exit lanes at roundabouts. Data replicated previous findings on yielding rates for displaying a cane (about 60%), holding up a hand (65% to 80%), or taking one step into the roadway (80% to 100%) and also showed that head and gaze related behaviors do not increase yielding. In some cases, adding a head turn or gaze behavior decreases yielding rates. At the roundabout, yielding rates at exit lanes were always lower than at the entry lanes or the light controlled intersection. The outcomes have implications for O&M instruction. O&M students who benefit from a forward-facing head position to align at a crossing, or to remain aligned during a crossing, do not need to be concerned that a lack of head movement and face gaze will cause drivers to yield less often. Other students who must turn their heads to visually monitor potential threats from turning vehicles, likewise, need not be apprehensive that their head movements or gazing will likely reduce the drivers’ yielding.

ID Number

TRCLC 14-04

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