Pedestrian Traffic Signal Violations: Safety, Design, and Operational Implications

Singleton, Patrick A.; Mekker, Michelle; Boyer, Sadie · 2023 · ROSA P / Utah. Dept. of Transportation. Division of Research

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Summary

This study addresses the rising rates of pedestrian injuries and fatalities in the United States and Utah, specifically focusing on pedestrian signal violations at signalized intersections. Motivated by crash data indicating that pedestrian behaviors contribute to approximately 50% of pedestrian crashes, the research aims to measure crossing behaviors, identify associated characteristics and locations, and propose mitigation strategies. The authors note a significant gap in existing literature, as most prior studies were conducted outside the U.S. or involved small sample sizes insufficient for analyzing intersection-specific characteristics. To address this gap, the researchers conducted a comprehensive observational study in Utah between September 2020 and May 2023. They recorded videos at 47 crosswalks across 39 signalized intersections, capturing 5,589 pedestrian crossing events. Trained researchers analyzed these videos to document pedestrian demographics, waiting times, crossing behaviors, and timestamps. This behavioral data was linked with traffic signal phase data, geospatial information, built environment metrics, and neighborhood sociodemographic characteristics. The study employed descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and multilevel logistic regression models to analyze spatial violations (crossing outside designated areas) and temporal violations (crossing against conflicting vehicle movements or signal indications). The findings indicate that the vast majority of pedestrians comply with signal rules. Regarding spatial violations, 97–98% of pedestrians crossed within or near the crosswalk, with only 2–3% crossing mid-block. Among those using the crosswalk area, 85% remained within markings. Spatial violations were associated with not riding a bicycle, shorter wait times, warmer temperatures, longer crossing distances, and higher traffic volumes. Regarding temporal violations, 89% of crossings occurred without conflict with a green vehicle movement. However, 5–6% of pedestrians remained in the crosswalk for at least five seconds while conflicting vehicles had a green light, and 22% started crossing during a steady "Don’t Walk" signal. Temporal violations were linked to not walking with a child, shorter wait times, crossing alone, overnight hours, higher traffic volumes, and neighborhoods with higher shares of Hispanic or non-white residents. The study concludes with recommendations to improve pedestrian safety. To reduce mid-block crossing, the authors suggest installing median fencing or barriers. To address temporal violations, they recommend signal timing strategies such as pedestrian recall, rest-in-walk phases, or "ped recycle" settings, though they note potential operational impacts. Additionally, adopting a slower walking speed standard (3.5 ft/sec instead of 4.0 ft/sec) for signal timing would accommodate 5–6% more pedestrians, particularly older adults. The authors also emphasize the importance of convenient push-button and crosswalk placement to minimize out-of-direction travel and suggest future research focus specifically on mid-block crossing behaviors.

Key finding

While the majority of pedestrian crossings were compliant, statistical analysis identified that shorter waiting times, warmer temperatures, higher traffic volumes, and specific demographic factors were significantly associated with increased rates of spatial and temporal signal violations.

Methodology

naturalistic

Sample size: 5589

Provenance

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

Topics

Ranked by relevance to this paper. Hover a topic for its definition.

• pedestrian behavior perception
• rail grade crossings
• vru facing ehmi
• child pedestrian