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Routhier F, Lettre J, Pigeon C, Fiset D, Martel V, Binet R, Vézina V, Collomb d'Eyrames O, Waygood EO, Mostafavi MA, Morales E. Evaluation of three pedestrian phasing with audible pedestrian signals configurations in Quebec City (Canada): an exploratory study of blind or visually impaired persons' sense of safety, preferences, and expectations. Disabil Rehabil 2024; 46:1534-1546. [PMID: 37078382 DOI: 10.1080/09638288.2023.2200260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 04/21/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE This exploratory study aimed to evaluate the preferences, expectations, and sense of safety of blind or visually impaired persons regarding three types of pedestrian phasing with audible pedestrian signals configurations that exist in Quebec City (Canada). These include: 1) exclusive phasing with non-directional audible pedestrian signals; 2) exclusive phasing with directional audible pedestrian signals; and 3) concurrent phasing with directional audible pedestrian signals. METHODS Thirty-two blind or visually impaired persons were asked to complete a survey. Their preferences and expectations regarding audible pedestrian signals were documented through a series of simulations. Their sense of safety regarding the three existing configurations were also documented. Subsequently, semi-directed, individual interviews with 11 of the individuals who had completed the survey were conducted to build off the collected information. RESULTS No formal consensus regarding many of the issues discussed were established as participants' responses varied too significantly. However, findings suggest that the exclusive phasing with directional audible pedestrian signals configuration is perceived to be the safest option by the participants. CONCLUSION This study may have practical implications on the design of intersections (e.g., selection of a type of pedestrian phasing with audible pedestrian signal) and the training of blind or visually impaired pedestrians.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONThe addition of audible pedestrian signals to pedestrian signals heightens the sense of safety of blind or visually impaired persons.This study may have practical implications on the design of intersections with audible pedestrian signals and the selection of a type of audible pedestrian signals based on intersection characteristics.Since many participants reported a lower sense of safety when faced with concurrent phasing, it is recommended that more intensive orientation and mobility interventions be provided to blind or visually impaired pedestrians who use this type of traffic signals.Educating road users about blind or visually impaired pedestrians appears also essential.
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Affiliation(s)
- François Routhier
- Department of Rehabilitation, Université Laval, Quebec City, Canada
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Rehabilitation and Social Integration, Centre Intégré Universitaire de Santé et de Services Sociaux de la Capitale-Nationale, Quebec City, Canada
| | - Josiane Lettre
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Rehabilitation and Social Integration, Centre Intégré Universitaire de Santé et de Services Sociaux de la Capitale-Nationale, Quebec City, Canada
| | - Caroline Pigeon
- Laboratoire Ergonomie et Sciences Cognitives pour les Transports, Département Transport, Santé, Sécurité, Université Gustave Eiffel, Lyon, France
| | - David Fiset
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Rehabilitation and Social Integration, Centre Intégré Universitaire de Santé et de Services Sociaux de la Capitale-Nationale, Quebec City, Canada
| | - Valérie Martel
- Blindness and Visual Impairment Program, Centre Intégré Universitaire de Santé et de Services Sociaux de la Capitale-Nationale, Quebec City, Canada
| | - René Binet
- Regroupement des Personnes Handicapées Visuelles (régions 03-12), Quebec City, Canada
| | - Véronique Vézina
- Comité des Usagers, Centre Intégré Universitaire de Santé et de Services Sociaux de la Capitale-Nationale, Quebec City, Canada
- Regroupement des Organismes de Personnes Handicapées de la Région 03, Quebec City, Canada
| | | | - E Owen Waygood
- Department of Civil, Geological and Mining Engineering, Polytechnique Montréal, Montreal, Canada
| | - Mir Abolfazl Mostafavi
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Rehabilitation and Social Integration, Centre Intégré Universitaire de Santé et de Services Sociaux de la Capitale-Nationale, Quebec City, Canada
- Department of Geomatics, Université Laval, Quebec City, Canada
| | - Ernesto Morales
- Department of Rehabilitation, Université Laval, Quebec City, Canada
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Rehabilitation and Social Integration, Centre Intégré Universitaire de Santé et de Services Sociaux de la Capitale-Nationale, Quebec City, Canada
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