Citation

Bullough JD, Zhang X, Skinner NP, Rea MS. Accid. Reconstr. J. 2011; 21(1): 33-45.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2011, Accident Reconstruction Journal)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

This article reports on a study undertaken to explore different ways to illuminate crosswalks in order to result in improved pedestrian visibility and, potentially, safety. Based on an analysis of visual performance, glare, and economic impacts, a promising candidate system was identified for a short-term field demonstration. The field demonstration provided the opportunity to obtain feedback from several individuals working in the areas of transportation, transit operations, and public safety. The authors conclude that the bollard-based lighting solution evaluated and demonstrated in this study proved to be a feasible solution toward improving pedestrian visibility and for reducing operating and electricity costs. The authors make recommendations for optimizing luminaire light distributions, in order to provide higher uniformity of vertical illuminance along the crosswalk. In addition, glare control could be improved through use of louvers or baffles to limit light directed toward oncoming drivers, while maintaining light toward the crosswalk itself. A final section considers the use of a signal function to help draw attention to pedestrians waiting to use the crosswalk; this function can be easily incorporated into the bollard-based system.