10 Questions
How does reduction in visual acuity affect older drivers?
They are less capable to discern letters on road signs.
What effect does greater sensitivity to glare have on older drivers?
They take a much longer time in recovering from the disabling effect of glare.
What pedestrian characteristics influence the design and location of pedestrian control devices?
Walking characteristics
What is the range of walking speeds observed in pedestrians?
Between 3.0 and 8.0 ft/sec
What is the mean walking speed for males at intersections?
4.93 ft/sec
What is the mean walking speed for females at intersections?
4.63 ft/sec
What is the conservative value typically used for pedestrian design purposes?
4.0 ft/sec
What pedestrian control devices are used at intersections?
Special pedestrian signals, safety zones, pedestrian underpasses, elevated walkways, and crosswalks
How do pedestrian characteristics influence the design of pedestrian underpasses?
Walking characteristics
Why is knowledge of walking speeds important for the design of an all-red phase at intersections?
To permit pedestrians to cross an intersection with heavy traffic
Study Notes
Traffic Operations
- Traffic engineers must understand the interactions between the driver, vehicle, roadway, and pedestrian to develop effective strategies for intersection control, rural highways, and freeway segments.
Characteristics of Highway Components
- The four main components of the highway mode of transportation are the driver, pedestrian, vehicle, and road.
- The bicycle is also an important component in urban highway and street design.
Driver Characteristics
- Age range of drivers in the US: 16 to over 80 years old.
- Drivers 65 years and older comprise over 14% of the driver population.
- Sight and hearing abilities decrease with age, particularly after 65.
- Individual variations in sight and hearing exist even among the same age group.
Vehicle Characteristics
- A wide range of vehicles exist, from compact cars to articulated trucks.
- Maximum acceleration, turning radii, and ability to climb grades differ significantly among different vehicles.
Road Design Considerations
- Roads must be designed to accommodate a wide range of vehicle characteristics and be useable by drivers and pedestrians with varying physical and psychological characteristics.
Pedestrian Characteristics
- Walking speeds vary between 3.0 and 8.0 ft/sec.
- Mean male walking speed: 4.93 ft/sec.
- Mean female walking speed: 4.63 ft/sec.
- A conservative value of 4.0 ft/sec is used for design purposes.
Explore the fundamental concepts in transportation engineering related to traffic operations, including characteristics of drivers, vehicles, roadways, and traffic flow. Learn about strategies for intersection control, rural highways, and freeway segments.
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