Evaluating pedestrian behaviors and safety risks at unsignalized mid-block crossings in Colombo

Abstract

Fast changes of urbanization have increased pedestrian movements, with pedestrians accounting for 21% of global fatalities, as reported by WHO in 2023. In Sri Lanka, pedestrian fatalities contribute to 40% of road deaths, escalating to 70% in Colombo. This study aims to evaluate pedestrian behaviors and safety risks at unsignalized mid-block crossings in Colombo. Previous studies have focused on some special pedestrian behaviors. But this research analyzes many behaviors. Also, compares pedestrian behaviors at unsignalized mid-block crossings with signalized crossings. Mixed methods were used to achieve these goals. Pedestrian’ accident data was first extracted from between Colombo to Galle Road, like Wellawatte, Dehiwala, Mount Lavinia, and Moratuwa, using records from the road traffic police division. This study was conducted by identifying Moratuwa as an additional accident location through this dataset and capturing video footage of five pedestrian crossings there. This study was conducted by identifying Moratuwa as an additional accident location through this dataset and capturing video footage of five pedestrian crossings there. Of these, 4 are unsignalized and 1 is signalized, which is included for comparison. This research findings will contribute to the development of more effective pedestrian safety measures and urban planning strategies design to the Sri Lankan situation.