Roadway Lighting’s Effect on Pedestrian Safety at Intersection and Midblock Crosswalks

Bhagavathula, Rajaram; Gibbons, Ronald; Kassing, Andrew

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/110367 Copy

Description

Title

Roadway Lighting’s Effect on Pedestrian Safety at Intersection and Midblock Crosswalks

Author(s)

• Bhagavathula, Rajaram
• Gibbons, Ronald
• Kassing, Andrew

Issue Date

2021-08

Keyword(s)

• Intersection Lighting
• Crosswalk Lighting
• Pedestrian Safety
• Pedestrian Visibility
• Visibility
• Visual Performance
• Pedestrian Crossing Treatments

Abstract

This study evaluates the visual performance of four intersection lighting designs and five midblock crosswalk lighting designs along with two pedestrian safety countermeasures (rectangular rapid flashing beacons and flashing signs) at three light levels. The study involved a pedestrian detection task, which was completed at night on a realistic roadway intersection and a midblock crosswalk. The results from the study showed that driver nighttime visual performance at intersection and midblock crosswalks was influenced by the lighting design and light level. Intersections should be illuminated to an average horizontal illuminance of 14 lux (1.3 fc). This light level ensures optimal visibility of pedestrians regardless of the lighting design (or luminaire layout) of the intersection. The average horizontal illuminance of 14 lux (1.3 fc) also increases the visibility of pedestrians when glare from oncoming vehicles is present. The 14 lux (1.3 fc) average horizontal illuminance is valid for all lighting designs evaluated except the lighting design that illuminated the exits of the intersection. When the exits of the intersection are illuminated, an average horizontal illuminance of 24 lux (2.2 fc) is needed to offset the disability glare from opposing vehicles. Midblock crosswalks should be illuminated to an average vertical illuminance of 10 lux (0.9 fc) to ensure optimal pedestrian visibility. Where overhead lighting is available, midblock crosswalk lighting designs that render the pedestrian in positive contrast are recommended. Where overhead lighting is not available, crosswalk illuminators can be used to illuminate midblock crosswalks. At night, pedestrian crossing treatments such as rectangular rapid flashing beacons and flashing signs should not be used for pedestrian visibility at midblock crosswalks. Pedestrians crossing treatments should be used in conjunction with overhead lighting or crosswalk illuminators at the established vertical illuminance to ensure optimal pedestrian visibility at midblock crosswalks.

Publisher

Illinois Center for Transportation/Illinois Department of Transportation

Series/Report Name or Number

FHWA-ICT-21-023

ISSN

0197-9191

Type of Resource

text

Language

en

Permalink

http://hdl.handle.net/2142/110367

DOI

https://doi.org/10.36501/0197-9191/21-028

Sponsor(s)/Grant Number(s)

IDOT-ICT-202

Copyright and License Information

No restrictions. This document is available through the National Technical Information Service, Springfield, VA 22161.

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