What the study found
The guide provides best practices for selecting countermeasures at uncontrolled pedestrian crossing locations. It also notes that agencies may use it to develop a customized policy or supplement existing local decision-making guidelines.
Why the authors say this matters
The authors say that focusing on uncontrolled crossing locations can help address a significant national safety problem and improve quality of life for pedestrians of all ages and abilities. The findings indicate the guide is intended to support State and local transportation or traffic safety departments.
What the researchers tested
This is a guide, not a study reporting tested outcomes. It offers guidance for agencies considering a policy or guide to support installation of countermeasures at uncontrolled pedestrian crossing locations.
What worked and what didn't
The abstract does not report comparative results for specific countermeasures. It states that the January 2018 version was updated to include the Rectangular Rapid-Flashing Beacon (RRFB), and that FHWA issued Interim Approval IA-21 for optional use of RRFBs in March 2018.
What to keep in mind
The available summary does not describe limitations or evaluation results. It also does not say which countermeasures are most effective; it only says the guide provides best practices for selection.
Key points
- The guide is for State or local transportation or traffic safety departments considering policies for pedestrian crossing countermeasures.
- It focuses on uncontrolled pedestrian crossing locations.
- The guide gives best practices for each step in selecting countermeasures.
- Agencies may use it to create a customized policy or supplement local decision-making guidelines.
- The January 2018 version was updated to include the Rectangular Rapid-Flashing Beacon (RRFB).
Disclosure
- Research title:
- Guide recommends policies for pedestrian crossing safety
- Authors:
- Lauren Blackburn, Charles V. Zegeer, Kristen Brookshire
- Institutions:
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- Publication date:
- 2026-04-21
- OpenAlex record:
- View
- Image credit:
- Photo by Zoshua Colah on Unsplash · Unsplash License
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