2013 Session: 690

• Sight Distances for Disabled Pedestrians at Crossings: Methodology Comparison with Other Modes
  Abstract: ABSTRACTWhen crossing at and near intersections and bends with restricted visibility pedestrians, particularly disabled people, need to estimate safe gaps in vehicular traffic -- as typically required when crossing straight highway segments. Restricted visibility crossings occur in urban areas and in rural places such as trail crossings where horizontal and/or vertical alignments reduce sight distances. Pedestrian crossing times in current UK and USA practice are based on crossing speed and crossing distance. But pedestrians also require an initial observation-reaction time, consideration of the crossing unit’s length (up to 2 m) and a safety margin – all totalling 30% or more greater total crossing time. These elements are identified in the paper relative to sight distances, assuming a pedestrian’s perceptions of what determines his or her safety instead of being based on vehicle stopping distance. The conceptual elements of a crossing pedestrian are then examined to draw selected methodological parallels in collision avoidance analysis. Specifically, human factors involved in drivers’ crossing major roads and negotiating railroad crossings provide common features of comparable human factors and physical trajectories. Similarities and differences with a disabled person crossing a road are then highlighted and illustrated in time/space diagrams. The conclusions are that pedestrian observation-reaction time, the crossing unit’s length, and safety margin, all currently not considered, may benefit from further examination in order to accurately determine actual crossing times for design purposes, thereby improving disabled people’s mobility. Current guidance is compared with the findings, lea
  Authors: Schoon, John G.
  Authors: Schoon, John G.
  Year: 2013
  Document Type: Paper
  Subject: Passenger Transportation; Public Transportation; Safety and Human Factors
  Session: 690
  Paper Number: 13-1478
• Development of Surface Roughness Standards for Pathways Used by Wheelchairs
  Abstract: Over two million people in the United States use a wheelchair for mobility. To maximize their participation in society, these wheelchair users need to have safe and accessible public spaces to maneuver through. Although the Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines, established by the Access Board, provide suggestions for public pathways, they are subjective and not measurable. This ambiguity results in public pathways with many bumps and cracks, which lead to harmful whole-body vibrations (WBVs) for wheelchair users. WBVs with an RMS value greater than 1.6 m/s2 for over an hour period may result in muscle fatigue or back and neck pain, which is common among wheelchair users. To help develop a standard for pathway surface roughness, we have gathered subjective and objective information from wheelchair users in an IRB-approved research study. Forty-five subjects were recruited to travel over nine simulated, wooden surfaces with varying roughness; the wooden surfaces were modeled after outdoor surfaces. Using their own wheelchair, subjects traveled over each surface while accelerometers recorded vibrations at the seat, footrest, and backrest. After travelling over each surface, subjects filled out a short questionnaire recording their perceived comfort rating. We calculated the average root mean square (RMS) accelerations and perceived comfort ratings for each surface. As surface roughness increased, RMS accelerations increased and subject surface ratings decreased. Some surfaces generated RMS accelerations above the 1.6 m/s2 threshold, suggesting that some sidewalks may be causing harmful vibrations to wheelchair users if used for over one hour. Our results may be helpful in defining a safe and comfortable roughness threshold for pathway surfaces.
  Authors: Pearlman, Jon; Duvall, Jon; Cooper, Rory; Sinagra, Eric; Stuckey, Dianna; Brown, Josh
  Authors: Pearlman, Jon; Duvall, Jon; Cooper, Rory; Sinagra, Eric; Stuckey, Dianna; Brown, Josh
  Year: 2013
  Document Type: Paper
  Subject: Passenger Transportation; Public Transportation; Safety and Human Factors
  Session: 690
  Paper Number: 13-4268
• Mobility for Travelers with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Learning Disabilities: Challenges and Solutions
  Abstract: The adoption of universal design (UD) in transport planning has reduced the barriers for persons with disabilities. However, those affected by cognitive disorders, most notably Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Learning Disorders (LDs), are still struggling in all three transportation scenarios: be it active, public or private modes due to gaps in current transport provisions. This paper attempts to define the target population of both disorders in order to gain insights on their mobility issues and challenges. The main research method consists of literature review to better understand the target populations and the roles and responsibilities of stakeholders concerned followed by recommended actions. It is found that those affected by ADHD and LDs are prone to take risks, have problems organizing travel information and may even blurt out inappropriate comments when faced with stressors. Therefore, safety and communication problems have been identified as significant issues, among others. Final recommendations include allocating funding for research by all levels of government; modifying the built environment incrementally by increasing and improving signage along with integration of adaptive technologies in transport systems. Sensitization of transport providers and the public on such invisible disorders through education and publicity is needed to enable the affected individuals to travel more safely and independently in a stress-free trip chain.
  Authors: Chan, Hoi Kei Phoebe; Suen, S. Ling
  Authors: Chan, Hoi Kei Phoebe; Suen, S. Ling
  Year: 2013
  Document Type: Paper
  Subject: Passenger Transportation; Public Transportation; Safety and Human Factors
  Session: 690
  Paper Number: 13-4646
• Mobility-Enhancing ICT from an Ethical Perspective: Case of a Navigation System for Visually Impaired Persons
  Abstract: The aim of this study is to empirically investigate the case of visually impaired persons and the possible effects of a tailored pedestrian navigation system on their mobility. Interview results indicate that with the provision of detailed information about the built environment and public transportation, positive potential effects include an increased ability to travel alone, to travel in unplanned and unfamiliar situations, and to prioritize public transportation use over the use of special transportation services. In the broader sense, the system may also serve an integrity enhancing function by improving the possibility of leading an independent and autonomous life. On the other hand, as with all ICT with positioning and monitoring capabilities, its use also poses ethical challenges and may negatively impact privacy. Privacy perceptions are highly contextual, but the participants’ responses in this context do not indicate high levels of concern for data misuse or being tracked through their data. This does not, however, translate into an absence of concern over technology’s potential negative impacts on personal integrity. As the participants’ comments illustrate, ICT development does not necessarily result in ethically sound, universally accessible technology. While the participants are generally optimistic about the possibilities of using ICT to enhance their mobility, they also emphasize that ICT is not the magic bullet. As such, this study serves to remind us that a coordinated effort on multiple fronts is vital in addressing users’ needs and meeting broader social goals such as social inclusion and the accessibility of transportation, technology, and information.
  Authors: Sochor, Jana
  Authors: Sochor, Jana
  Year: 2013
  Document Type: Paper
  Subject: Passenger Transportation; Public Transportation; Safety and Human Factors
  Session: 690
  Paper Number: 13-4637
• Sight Distances for Disabled Pedestrians at Crossings: Methodology Comparison with Other Modes
  Authors: Schoon, John
  Authors: Schoon, John
  Year: 2013
  Document Type: Presentation
  Subject: Passenger Transportation; Public Transportation; Safety and Human Factors
  Session: 690
  Paper Number: 13-1478
• Mobility-Enhancing ICT from an Ethical Perspective: Case of a Navigation System for Visually Impaired Persons
  Authors: Sochor, Jana
  Authors: Sochor, Jana
  Year: 2013
  Document Type: Presentation
  Subject: Passenger Transportation; Public Transportation; Safety and Human Factors
  Session: 690
  Paper Number: 13-4637
• Development of Surface Roughness Standards for Pathways Used by Wheelchairs
  Authors: Duvall, Jonathan
  Authors: Duvall, Jonathan
  Year: 2013
  Document Type: Presentation
  Subject: Passenger Transportation; Public Transportation; Safety and Human Factors
  Session: 690
  Paper Number: 13-4268
• Mobility for Travelers with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Learning Disabilities: Challenges and Solutions
  Authors: Suen, S.
  Authors: Suen, S.
  Year: 2013
  Document Type: Presentation
  Subject: Passenger Transportation; Public Transportation; Safety and Human Factors
  Session: 690
  Paper Number: 13-4646