EXPERIMENTAL STUDY ON TWO TYPES OF PEDESTRIAN COUNTDOWN SIGNALS

The countdown signal has some positive effects, however a potential drawback for the signal is that morepedestrians remain on the crosswalk after the pedestrian signal finishes. This study was undertaken toevaluate the effects of the pedestrian countdown signal in Korea and to compare the two types of numericand graphic countdown signals. The countdown signals have a positive effect on pedestrians‟ and drivers‟compliance with the signal. Comparing the two types of countdown signals, it is found that the numericcountdown is more desirable than the graphic countdown for pedestrians‟ compliance with the FlashingWalking Person Signal. But, the graphic countdown is more desirable than the numeric countdown forfinishing crossing before the end of pedestrian signal and for drivers‟ compliance with the FlashingWalking Person Signal. In pedestrian interview, 75 % of pedestrians preferred countdown signals toconventional signals, while 69 % preferred the numeric to the graphic countdown signal. It may beconcluded that the numeric countdown signal is recommended.