Pedestrian gap acceptance behavior at unsignalized mid-block crossing under mixed traffic conditions

Abstract

In Thailand, 68 % of pedestrian crashes on national highways in 2021 occurred when they were crossing the road. Pedestrians may encounter difficulties when deciding on the minimum safe gap to cross the road under diverse conditions, especially when the approaching vehicle sizes are different. Pedestrian safety is a crucial concern. This study analyzed the critical gap and dilemma zone for pedestrians crossing unsignalized mid-block crosswalks in Bangkok, Thailand, utilizing Raff's and logit methods. Multiple linear regression and binary logit regression models were developed to identify the factors affecting accepted gap size and gap acceptance behavior. Findings indicated that critical gaps and dilemma zones differed between two-lane and four-lane road sections, while the type of approaching vehicle had the strongest effect on accepted gap size. Pedestrians tended to accept smaller gaps when the approaching vehicle was a motorcycle. Several factors including yielding behavior, waiting time, age, crossing speed of pedestrians, and vehicle speed significantly influenced gap acceptance.