United States Department of Transportation
i
Pedestrian Level of Traffic Stress
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2024-05-01
[PDF-1.71 MB]
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Edition:Final Report – June 2023 to May 2024
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Abstract:This report presents a Pedestrian Level of Traffic Stress (PLTS) tool that can be used to represent how comfortable pedestrians feel around motor vehicle traffic on roadways. It is a project-scale tool that is typically applied within specific roadway corridors or neighborhood areas. PLTS has two components that assess how stressful it is for pedestrians to 1) travel along a roadway segment (segment PLTS) and 2) cross a roadway (crossing PLTS). The PLTS uses four categories (PLTS 1: Little to no stress; PLTS 2: Low stress; PLTS 3: Moderate stress; PLTS 4: High stress). In general, the lowest PLTS level is suitable for pedestrians of all abilities, including children, older adults, and people with disabilities. The highest PLTS level is likely to require sustained attention to the traffic situation and special ability to navigate safely. Inputs used to determine PLTS ratings are based on previous pedestrian suitability methods and key roadway characteristics associated with pedestrian injury risk. The following variables are used in segment PLTS: posted speed limit of adjacent roadway, motor vehicle traffic volume of adjacent roadway, sidewalk width, paved shoulder width, and buffer width between motor vehicle travel lane and pedestrian space. The following variables are used in crossing PLTS: posted speed limit of roadway being crossed, number of lanes being crossed, motor vehicle traffic volume of roadway being crossed, presence of traffic signal or pedestrian hybrid beacon (PHB) at the crossing, presence of stop sign at the crossing, presence of raised refuge island at the crossing, presence of curb extension(s) at the crossing, presence of rapid flashing beacons at the crossing, presence of high-visibility crosswalk marking at the crossing, and presence of accessible curb ramps at the crossing. PLTS should be complemented by other pedestrian analysis methods.
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