TRANSPORTATION

Issue

There has been inconsistent use of the Special Emphasis Crosswalk Marking at signalized intersections. It is uncertain if Special Emphasis Crosswalk Markings noticeably improve pedestrian safety at controlled intersections. To address this uncertainty, The Roadway Design and Traffic Operations Offices will be conducting crash analysis and human factors research.  The human factors research will study how drivers of different age groups react to both typical and Special Emphasis crosswalks markings at  intersections. The goal of this research is to determine the best pedestrian safety strategy, and use of this pedestrian countermeasure in areas where there is a high pedestrian volume or concentration of vulnerable road users.

Action

Until the outcome of the research projects are complete, the Special Emphasis Crosswalk Markings should be used for mid-block (see Design Standard 17346), school crossings, and uncontrolled approach locations. Special Emphasis Crosswalk Markings may also be used as a safety countermeasure to address locations with high pedestrian crashes,  volumes, or concentrations of children or seniors. Any formal changes on crosswalk pavement marking standards will be issued as a joint Design and Traffic Operations Bulletin and/or as Design Standards Modifications.

For questions on this issue, please contact Michael Shepard, State Roadway Design Engineer at (850)414-4330 or Mark Wilson, State Traffic Operations Engineer at (850)410-5416.