Retting 2003 - “A Review of Evidence-Based Traffic Engineering Measures Designed to Reduce Pedestrian-Motor Vehicle Crashes”

Retting, Richard A.; Ferguson, Susan A.; McCartt, Ann T.
“A Review of Evidence-Based Traffic Engineering Measures Designed to Reduce Pedestrian-Motor Vehicle Crashes”
American Journal of Public Health
September 2003; v.93, n.9.; pp. 1456-1463.
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The authors reviewed studies on engineering measures used to reduce the risk of pedestrian injuries.  These measures were classified into speed control, separation of pedestrians from vehicles (in time and space), and increased visibility of pedestrians. Highly effective measures include:

• single-lane roundabouts,
• sidewalks,
• exclusive pedestrian signal phasing that stops all traffic while pedestrians cross all ways,
• pedestrian refuge islands, and,
• increased intensity of roadway lighting

Other promising measures are:

• advance stop lines at traffic signals so that drivers stop farther ahead of crosswalks,
• in-pavement flashing lights to warn drivers when pedestrians are present, and
• automatic pedestrian detection for display of walk signal.

Other measures mentioned included in the study were:

• traffic calming,
• early release signal timing (to allow pedestrians to start crossing before cars try to turn leftl)
• installation of traffic signal
• traffic signal change interval timing (changing the length of yellow and all-red lights)
• pedestrian prompting device to look for potential vehicle threats
• pedestrian overpasses
• pedestrian barriers and fences
• bus stop relocation to prevent pedestrians from crossing in front of the bus, and
• diagonal parking to increase visibility of pedestrians.