ABSTRACT
Audible pedestrian traffic signals are devices which are attached to the vehicular traffic control signals and emit a distinct sound during the steady WALK phase of the traffic signal cycle. This chapter reports on research of three aspects of audible signals. First, an analysis is made of the sound emitted by the equipment and its reception by pedestrians. How vision impaired and elderly persons used the audible signals are investigated. Finally, the impact of the audible signals on pedestrian accidents and the location of the signals at intersections are reviewed. The technical analysis of the audible signal consisted of three parts: a spectral analysis of the sounds based on field recordings and anechoic chamber tests; the measurement of the sound level heard by a pedestrian at an intersection with the device; and a determination of the directionality of the sound.
