CASE STUDY NATIONAL

A study done in 2000 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida used controlled and treatment sites with a countdown signal to evaluate the effects of countdown signals. This study did not go into crash data but did look into pedestrian behavior to determine if the countdowns were effective.

Multiple intersections were studied over a period of time. Ultimately, the study looked into pedestrian compliance with the walk signals, pedestrians who ran out of time, and pedestrians who started running when a flashing “don’t walk” display appeared.

The study concluded that there were both positive and negative effects on pedestrian behavior at the treatment sites in comparison to the control sites. For the purpose of the study, it was determined that countdown signals were not recommended for use at a standard intersection in Florida but that they should be tested out at other signalized intersections.