Providing Method to Cross Signalized Intersections for All Users
Item #: 20230042
CONTACTS
Implementing Organization: Traffic Management Division
Implementation Lead: Mark Taylor
Development Team: Region 3 Signal Maintenance Team (Degen Lewis, Skyler Nielsen, Cody Taylor, Coy Proctor, Roland Ivie, Hollister Hogle)
Article Written By: Mark Taylor
Innovation Team Coordinator: Winston Inoway
STATUS
Implementation Date: July 1, 2023
Adoption Status: Fully Implemented
Adoptability Note: Over the next several years, these "Push or Wave" Audible Pedestrian Push Buttons will be installed at all signalized intersections.
APPLIES TO
Topic: Safety and Health
Organization(s): Asset Management, Central Construction, ITS, Planning, Region 1, Region 2, Region 3, Region 4, Traffic & Safety, Transit/Rural Public Transit
Job Role(s): Construction Engineer, Roadway Operations / IMT
Tags: highway transportation, political factors, injuries, value of life, value of time, automation, intelligent transport systems ( ITS ), construction, design, highway operations, ( traffic operations ), maintenance, planning, traffic safety > highway safety, trucking safety, crosswalk push button, quality of life, user benefits
PROBLEM
Some people are not physically able to press the pedestrian button to safely cross intersections. They have to rely on others to push the button for them.
CHANGE
The Region Three team and Mark Taylor, who is responsible for all the UDOT traffic lights in Utah, deployed a brand-new audible pedestrian push button that includes doppler radar. Pedestrians don't have to physically touch the button. They can wave their hand, head, or even shoulder to activate the signal button and cross the road safely.
RESULT
Those with various disabilities (such as Kris Johnson shown in this picture or his friend Lance who is a quadriplegic living at the Provo Rehabilitation and Nursing center) can activate the pedestrian signals and cross the road safely. In addition, the non-touch option provides other users the option to activate the pedestrian crossing without having to touch hard surfaces by waving their arm or hand at the button.
Next Steps: These “Push or Wave” Audible Pedestrian Push Buttons will be installed at all signalized intersections over the next several years.
IMPACT
BETTER MOBILITY
Pedestrians, especially those who may benefit from these assistive technologies, are able to cross intersections and reach their destinations.
GOOD HEALTH
All users are able to more safely cross intersections.
CONNECTED COMMUNITIES
N/A
STRONG ECONOMY
N/A