ORCID

0009-0004-9906-2136

Keywords

Mid-Block Pedestrian Crossings, Computer Vision, Pedestrian Safety, Traffic Efficiency, Conflict Analysis, Before-After Evaluation

Abstract

This study presents a comprehensive evaluation of midblock pedestrian crossings in terms of safety and traffic efficiency, with a particular focus on the newly implemented Mid-Block Pedestrian Signal (MPS) systems. Extensive CCTV video data were collected across Florida and processed using advanced computer vision techniques, specifically the RT-DETR model for object detection and the ByteTrack algorithm for object tracking, to analyze vehicle-pedestrian interactions in detail. Since there is limited post-implementation crash data available for all locations, Surrogate Safety Measures (SSMs) were employed to assess safety outcomes. Conflict Modification Factors (CoMFs) were estimated using Cross-Sectional (CS), Comparison Group (CG), and Empirical Bayes (EB) approaches. Across all evaluation methods and reference treatments—including Pedestrian Hybrid Beacons (PHBs), Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFBs), and their combinations, MPS installations consistently demonstrated a reduction in both moderate and serious pedestrian-vehicle conflicts. Traffic efficiency was also assessed by calculating Delay Modification Factors (DMFs) for each pedestrian-vehicle interaction using the same methodological framework. Findings revealed that while MPS introduces more vehicle delay than RRFB and Flashing Beacon due to required red-phase stops, they offer reduced delays compared to PHB. Furthermore, a two-stage Joint Selection–Outcome Modeling framework was developed to rigorously assess the effectiveness of MPS implementation. Joint likelihood estimation corrected for selection bias by linking treatment assignment to outcome patterns within a unified likelihood structure. Results confirmed that MPSs significantly reduce both moderate and serious conflicts. Given their superior safety performance and comparatively lower vehicle delays relative to PHBs, MPS systems emerge as a promising and effective treatment for enhancing pedestrian safety at midblock crossings. These findings support the consideration of MPS as a preferred alternative for upgrading existing pedestrian crossings or deploying new pedestrian signal systems.

Completion Date

2025

Semester

Summer

Committee Chair

Mohamed Abdel-Aty

Degree

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

College

College of Engineering and Computer Science

Department

Civil, Environmental and Construction Engineering

Format

PDF

Release Date

8-15-2026

Document Type

Dissertation

Campus Location

Orlando (Main) Campus

Subjects

Pedestrians--Safety measures; Traffic safety--Evaluation; Pedestrian facilities design--Evaluation; Traffic conflicts--Research; Traffic safety--Econometric models

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Available for download on Saturday, August 15, 2026

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