Pedestrian Behaviour and Safety in the Presence of Guard Railing

This paper reported a study based on a large scale survey of pedestrian behaviours and safety in the presence of guard railing in London. Pedestrian behaviours were observed using cameras at different types of sites and safety records over the last three years were analysed. In total, 37 sites were surveyed, 19 sites with railing and 18 sites without railing. Pedestrian behaviours were then characterised by his/her route taken. A with (guard railing) and without (guard railing) comparison was made to quantify pedestrian behaviour modifications in the presence of guard railing, with relevant statistical test results provided. The safety effects are analysed using accident data over the past three years at sites with and without pedestrian guard railing. It is found that the overall pedestrian accident rate has been reduced significantly as a result of behavioural modification at the presence of guard railing. However, the total number of accidents remained unchanged. The findings may be useful to traffic engineers in justifying the erection of pedestrian guard railing.