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Effects of vehicle speed on pedestrian movement at crosswalks: A case study using empirical data

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  • Li, Tao
  • Fu, Zhijian
  • Sun, Zhanbo
  • Ding, Hongliang
  • Wang, Ruiqi
  • Ji, Ang

Abstract

The paper seeks to examine the influence of vehicle speeds on pedestrian movement at crosswalks through controlled experiments conducted on real roads. Pedestrian behaviors including movement deviation, gait, and stress level were considered in the study. The results reveal that pedestrian’s position offset, head deviation angle/frequency increase at higher vehicle speeds. Specifically, the likelihood of a 40° pedestrian head deviation angle is significantly higher when vehicle speed exceeds 30 km/h. In addition, when vehicle speed is in the range of 30–50 km/h, frequent occurrence of standstill and speed fluctuations of pedestrians are observed. The results also indicate that vehicle speed significantly impacts the walking stability and stress level of pedestrians while crossing the road. Findings from this study have implications for enhancing pedestrian safety, such as crossing infrastructure design, traffic signal control, driving safety training, and improving autonomous driving systems’ ability to understand pedestrian behavior.

Suggested Citation

  • Li, Tao & Fu, Zhijian & Sun, Zhanbo & Ding, Hongliang & Wang, Ruiqi & Ji, Ang, 2025. "Effects of vehicle speed on pedestrian movement at crosswalks: A case study using empirical data," Physica A: Statistical Mechanics and its Applications, Elsevier, vol. 660(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:phsmap:v:660:y:2025:i:c:s0378437125000299
    DOI: 10.1016/j.physa.2025.130377
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    References listed on IDEAS

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