The effect of driver and pedestrian distraction factors on giving priority at designated pedestrian crossings

The safety of vulnerable road users is one of the most important aspects of road safety. One of the most critical points for pedestrian traffic is the pedestrian crossing, where pedestrians and vehicles interact. Due to the speed and weight of vehicles, sufficient attention by drivers and pedestrians is essential for accident-free crossing. Our research aimed to identify the parameters that influence drivers' willingness to yield the right of way. The focus of our research was on the distractors of pedestrians and drivers. Our study involved on-site investigations. The measurements were taken at designated pedestrian crossings, with a road sign and road markings. During the measurements, we recorded all situations where there was a pedestrian-vehicle interaction. We recorded several parameters about drivers and pedestrians. The data were analyzed using both descriptive statistics and a discrete decision model. We have shown that the drivers' willingness to stop depends on distractions. We showed that distractors on the part of pedestrians slightly increase the drivers' willingness to stop, while distractors on the part of drivers strongly decrease the willingness to yield. In addition, we have shown that distractions from both sides result in the lowest willingness to yield the right of way. We have also shown that driver behavior depends on the gender, age, and behavior of pedestrians. Our results are valuable and useful in many ways in the field of road safety and the analysis of traffic behavior.