Smartphone-Based Mid-Block Pedestrian Crossing In-Vehicle Warning - Phase 2: Final Project Report

Roldan, Stephanie M.; Greenwood, Aaron T.; Gonzalez, Tracy B.; Kidd, David G. · 2020 · ROSA P / United States. Department of Transportation. Intelligent Transportation Systems Joint Program Office

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Summary

This report details Phase 2 of a study evaluating a smartphone-based Vehicle-to-Pedestrian (V2P) system designed to improve safety at marked midblock crossings. The research was motivated by data indicating that the majority of pedestrian fatalities occur at non-intersection locations, which often lack the infrastructure for dynamic safety treatments. While Phase 1 demonstrated that in-vehicle warnings increased driver yielding behavior, Phase 2 focused on pedestrian usability, interface design, and crossing behavior. The study employed a two-part methodology. First, a human factors study utilized focus groups with 11 participants (ages 18–76) to evaluate app interfaces and messaging. Participants reviewed various interface designs and feedback messages, leading to modifications that emphasized the active status of the alert and warned that the app did not guarantee safety. Second, a field test involved 60 participants crossing three live midblock locations (urban, suburban, and rural) 20 times each. Participants used either the modified "Mid-block" app, which sent alerts to nearby vehicles, or a control "Flashing" app that provided only visual conspicuity. Researchers measured crossing times, delays, and looking behavior, while also administering post-experiment questionnaires on user satisfaction and acceptance. Results indicated that pedestrian crossing behavior was similar between the Mid-block and Flashing apps. Users maintained safety-related behaviors, such as looking for vehicles and waiting to enter the crosswalk, regardless of the app used. However, participants entered the crosswalk more quickly in later trials, and crossing delays varied by location, with urban crossings showing the shortest delays. Age also influenced behavior, with participants aged 46 and older waiting significantly longer to cross at urban sites than younger participants. Survey results showed that both apps received similar ratings for preference and acceptance; however, users rated the Mid-block app as significantly more helpful for detecting hazards than the Flashing app. The study concludes that the Mid-block app does not promote or discourage safe crossing behaviors relative to a non-connected alternative, suggesting pedestrians remain aware of their need for self-protection. The findings provide preliminary evidence that the app can be reliably used without introducing significant risk. The report recommends larger-scale field testing in real-world urban settings to evaluate long-term use, consistency, and interactions between drivers and pedestrians under varying traffic and weather conditions.

Key finding

Pedestrian crossing behavior and safety-related actions were similar when using the smartphone-based warning app compared to a non-connected flashing app alternative.

Methodology

field_study

Sample size: 60

Provenance

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Summary generated by qwen3.6-27b-prismaquant on 2026-06-10; verification: verified.

Topics

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• pedestrian behavior perception
• vru facing ehmi
• ehmi external hmi
• rail grade crossings

Information type

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• Empirical Findings: observational prevalence