An application of logit models in analysing the behaviour of pedestrians and car drivers on pedestrian crossings

A multinomial logit model is used to examine pedestrian and driver reaction to "encounters" occurring on pedestrian crossings. The probabilities of a driver braking or weaving, and of a pedestrian continuing to cross in response to an encounter are identified for a variety of pedestrian, environmental, and traffic conditions. Results indicate that the most important explanatory variables included pedestrian distance from kerb, city size, number of pedestrians simultaneously crossing, vehicle speed, and vehicle platoon size. It is felt that the model performed well, should be applied in further studies, and could be a useful technique for identifying the most hazardous situations and locations within an area, for planning relevant safety measures, and for national research for developing traffic legislation.