Modeling pedestrian collisions has been difficult due to the rarity of such events and the high number of locations with zero collision frequency. Traditional collision data is reactive and may not identify risks until after injuries or fatalities have occurred. The supplement of the traditional collision data analysis approach with user perceptions of safety is necessary to provide a proactive approach to pedestrian safety. This study aims to take a step forward and collect data on pedestrian safety perceptions using virtual reality (VR) technology. Seventy participants were recruited and had to view pre-recorded 360-degree videos of intersections using a VR headset and report their perceptions of intersection design, traffic, and environmental factors from a safety point of view. Safety levels were analyzed on a Likert scale, and two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed to understand the variations in the average safety perceptions of intersections between participants during the day and night, as well as between men and women respondents. The study found that participants’ perceptions of safety varied depending on the time of day at the intersection, with the majority feeling less safe at night. The results suggest the importance of understanding people's perceptions of the walking environment and collision risk in designing cost-effective pedestrian safety initiatives that match both perceived and actual levels of safety on the road. Overall, the study demonstrates the potential benefits of using user-centered approaches and timely feedback on changes in pedestrian safety, which can provide a wealth of data to support proactive pedestrian safety planning.
Pedestrian Safety Perception Analysis at Intersections in Ottawa
Lecture Notes in Civil Engineering
Canadian Society of Civil Engineering Annual Conference ; 2023 ; Moncton, NB, Canada May 24, 2023 - May 27, 2023
Proceedings of the Canadian Society for Civil Engineering Annual Conference 2023, Volume 2 ; Kapitel : 2 ; 15-26
2024-08-20
12 pages
Aufsatz/Kapitel (Buch)
Elektronische Ressource
Englisch
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