Motorists' voluntary yielding of right of way at uncontrolled midblock crosswalks with rectangular rapid flashing beacons

This article presents an investigation into the motorists' voluntary yielding behavior to bicycles and pedestrians at uncontrolled midblock crosswalk locations. Two study sites in the state of Montana with light emitting diode (LED) rectangular rapid flashing beacons (RRFB) warning devices were used in this investigation. Video records were acquired at the two study sites and video data was reduced to investigate the motorist's voluntary yielding of right of way to pedestrians and bicycles as they approach the crosswalks. The study found that the motorists' voluntary yielding increased with the activation of the RRFB devices at the two study sites. This finding is very consistent with the few recent studies that reported increases in the overall yielding behavior associated with the use of those devices. The study also found that the waiting position of crosswalk user(s), the presence of children and elderly, the number of crosswalk users, and peak periods are all important factors that affect the voluntary yielding behavior of motorists. Study results suggest that the visibility of crosswalk users by motorists is very important consideration in the selection of crosswalk location. Further, the study recommends the push-button RRFB devices be located as close as practically possible to the roadway for increased device activation and motorists' voluntary yielding.