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Increased
Motorist Awareness
Traditional pavement markings used for crosswalks are obvious to
pedestrians, but can be difficult to detect by approaching motorists. |
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Feedback
to the Waiting Pedestrian
Requiring pedestrians to push a button for the walk signal is
intended to increase the time allotted to cross the street. Many
pedestrians are unaware of this concept or believe the button
does not work.
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Feedback
to the Crossing Pedestrian
Pedestrians crossing the street are sometimes unaware that vehicles
may be turning across their path during the walk signal, which
can result in a serious conflict. Crossing pedestrians may also
lack an understanding of the flashing DONT WALK phase of the signal,
which can produce unsafe crossing behaviors.
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Pedestrian
Detection
Detecting pedestrians has traditionally relied on push buttons.
Unfortunately, the lack of feedback to pedestrians and poor installation
and maintenance practices often leads to nonuse.
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Visual
Impairment Issues
Visually impaired pedestrians may have difficulty with a number
of tasks associated with crossing the street, from simply locating
the crosswalk to understanding the type of traffic control in
place.
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