Examining Nighttime Driver Compliance and Interactions at Pedestrian Hybrid Beacons

Abstract: Pedestrian Hybrid Beacons (PHBs) are designed to enhance pedestrian safety at marked crosswalks in locations without traffic signals. However, drivers’ non-compliant behaviors at PHBs, such as rolling stops, may increase the risk of vehicle-pedestrian crashes. Few studies have examined driver compliance with PHBs, especially during nighttime hours when reduced visibility may hinder drivers’ ability to observe pedestrians. Additionally, no research has assessed how the behavior of initial stopping or rolling vehicles affects following drivers. This study conducts an observational analysis to investigate nighttime driver behavior at PHBs with different intersection geometries across Pima County, Arizona. Driver behaviors, including complete stops, rolling stops, and whether following drivers replicate the behavior of leading vehicles during the “steady red” and “flashing red” phases of PHBs, are assessed through videos. A statistical model is developed to analyze factors influencing driver behavior at PHBs, considering intersection type, lane position, speed limit, pedestrian location, PHB phase, and vehicle queue position. Preliminary findings suggest differences in PHB compliance compared to previous studies during the day. The results can aid agencies in understanding compliance rates at night and the impact of driver interactions on compliance rates at PHBs. This can inform the creation of targeted education and enforcement strategies to improve driver compliance and enhance pedestrian safety at PHBs.