Speed analyses and modeling in pedestrian crossing areas

The safety of vulnerable road users, especially pedestrians, on Polish roads remains among one of the lowest levels among EU countries. A high number of accidents involving pedestrians occur in areas with zebra crossings, and excessive speed is often mentioned in police records as a leading cause of accidents. A number of investigations highlight that drivers’ speed strongly influences the impact on pedestrian safety; hence, it should be controlled in areas with pedestrian crossings through effective management. According to traffic law regulations, drivers are required to give special attention and slow down while approaching a pedestrian crossing. The aim of the article is to explore drivers’ speed behaviors at zebra crossings depending on their localization. Investigated zebra crossings were located on single and dual carriageways on straight segments and approach sections of intersections without traffic lights. Speed measures were performed under free- flow traffic conditions. The conducted analysis allowed for the identification of road geometry-related parameters significantly influencing vehicles’ speeds at pedestrian crosswalk locations. Based on the analyzed parameters, regression models were developed and validated.