Estimation of Pedestrian Safety Index Value at Signalized Intersections Under Mixed Traffic Conditions

The movement of pedestrians in the urban environment is a key factor in sustaining the social and economic relationships which are essential to the quality of life and maintaining a healthy life. To enhance pedestrian safety, there is a need to improve the pedestrian facilities at signalized intersections. The study objective is to develop pedestrian safety index model in crosswalks at signalized intersections under mixed traffic conditions. The data were collected from selected eight signalized intersections in Mumbai, India by performing video graphic and questionnaire surveys. The Pearson correlation test was performed to identify significant factors with respect to pedestrian perceived safety index score. Stepwise linear regression method was applied to develop a safety index model at 95% confidence interval and k-means clustering was used to define the threshold values for each safety index rating. The proposed model and threshold values were validated by using field data. The validation results showed that the proposed model and threshold values were estimated accurate safety levels of a pedestrian at a signalized intersection. Finally, the sensitivity of each model variable was analyzed by using Tornado diagram and improvement measures on pedestrian safety were applied and analyzed theoretically at selected signalized intersection. This study is helpful to improve the existing conditions of intersections and recommends guidelines for providing adequate pedestrian facilities to cross the crosswalk safely and comfortably at signalized intersections.