Comparison of the Effect of In-Crosswalk Traffic Signs on Pedestrian Safety

Pedestrian safety is a significant concern due to the severity of pedestrian-involved crashes. Pedestrian fatalities have increased by 77% over the past decade, constituting a 5% increase in pedestrian fatalities per the overall number of traffic-related fatalities. Prior studies have explored various regulatory traffic signs; however, there have been limited studies on in-crosswalk signs. This study compared the effectiveness of in-crosswalk "YIELD TO PEDESTRIANS" and "STOP FOR PEDESTRIANS" traffic signs. Yielding behavior and vehicle speed were used as safety indicators, and impacts were measured during different school sessions and times of day. The traffic signs' impact was evaluated through independent t-tests and two-proportion z-tests at a 95% confidence level. The results demonstrate that both traffic signs led to significant vehicle speed reductions and yield to pedestrian enhancements across all situations; however, the difference between the two traffic signs' impact was insignificant, suggesting they can be used interchangeably.