Evaluating Strategies to Mitigate Pedestrian Distractions at Signalized Crosswalks

The growing use of smartphones has significantly increased pedestrian distractions at signalized intersections, creating a pressing need for innovative solutions to improve safety. Building on previous analysis of pedestrian behavior in Washington, DC, this project integrates advanced technologies, behavioral studies, and policy strategies to reduce distractions and foster safer urban environments. Actionable strategies identified from prior work include:

• Evidence-Based Enforcement Framework: Focused on high-risk times, this framework target’s locations where phone usage and conversation distractions are most prevalent, optimizing enforcement activities to reduce distracted walking.
• Engineering Solutions Framework: Behavioral information guide tailored safety improvements based on intersection characteristics, time-of-day patterns, social dynamics, and demographic considerations.
• Targeted Education Campaigns: Emphasizing age-specific messaging, location-based interventions, and strategies for addressing group settings, these campaigns promote awareness and reduce distractions effectively.

Building on these findings, this project implements a structured approach to address pedestrian distractions through three interrelated tasks:

Development and Implementation of Smart Infrastructure Systems: This task focuses on developing a smartphone application to reduce pedestrian distractions. The app will feature location-based services, real-time notifications, and audible alerts to keep pedestrians attentive when crossing intersections. Additionally, it will provide engaging safety tips to promote responsible behavior. A functional prototype will be developed and tested in urban intersections with high pedestrian traffic. Feedback from users and local authorities will guide iterative refinements, ensuring the app achieves its safety goals.

Design and Evaluation of Multi-Modal Behavioral Interventions: This task examines group-level distractions, particularly in high-traffic settings such as university campuses. Using wearable devices, participants will provide real-time data and self-reported reflections on their focus and social interactions. Behavioral nudges, like real-time alerts, will be tested to improve group coordination and reduce distractions. Results from this study will guide interventions addressing the unique challenges of group dynamics in pedestrian safety.

Development of Policy Framework and Enforcement Strategies: To address the systemic risks of smartphone-distracted pedestrians, this task will develop a comprehensive, evidence-based policy framework. Strategies include a tiered enforcement approach, starting with educational warnings and escalating to penalties for repeat offenses. Automated detection technologies will enhance enforcement efficiency, while public outreach campaigns will educate pedestrians on distraction risks. Pilot studies at selected intersections will test the strategies to ensure effectiveness and scalability.