Gender differences in pedestrian rule compliance and visual search at signalized and unsignalized crossroads

Tom, Ariane; Granié, Marie-Axelle · 2011 · OpenAlex-citations

DOI: 10.1016/j.aap.2011.04.012

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Summary

This study investigates gender differences in pedestrian rule compliance and visual search strategies at signalized and unsignalized crossroads, motivated by the over-representation of males in road crash statistics and prior evidence that men violate traffic rules more frequently than women. The research aims to determine if these behavioral differences extend beyond temporal compliance (adherence to traffic lights) to include spatial compliance (use of designated crosswalks) and visual attention patterns. The researchers observed 400 adult pedestrians (aged 18–55, equal gender distribution) at four urban intersections in France: two signalized and two unsignalized. Using a detailed taxonomic observation grid comprising 13 behavioral categories, observers recorded behaviors before, during, and after crossing, including head movements, walking tempo, and crossing location. Data were collected during peak traffic periods and analyzed using contingency tables to compare genders and crossroad configurations. Results indicate that while spatial crossing compliance did not differ significantly between genders, temporal compliance was lower among males. Specifically, 18% of men crossed against a red pedestrian light compared to only 4.1% of women. Visual search patterns also diverged by gender: men focused primarily on moving vehicles, whereas women directed more attention toward traffic lights and other pedestrians. This difference was consistent before and during crossing, with women looking at other pedestrians significantly more often than men. Additionally, crossroad configuration influenced behavior; both genders exhibited higher spatial compliance and more cautious behaviors (such as stopping at the curb) at signalized intersections compared to unsignalized ones. Men’s spatial compliance appeared more dependent on the presence of traffic signals than women’s. The findings suggest that gender differences in pedestrian safety are driven by distinct visual strategies and rule internalization. Men appear to prioritize physical environmental cues (vehicles) and may perceive traffic light rules as external conventions, leading to lower temporal compliance. Women, conversely, focus on social cues (other pedestrians) and likely internalize traffic rules as prudential measures for personal safety. These results imply that pedestrian safety interventions should account for gender-specific visual attention patterns and the varying influence of road infrastructure on compliance behaviors.

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Topics

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• pedestrian behavior perception
• sex gender
• driver vru interaction
• rail grade crossings