Poulter, Damian ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2521-5959, O'Toole, Sarah Elizabeth and Christie, Nicola (2026) Yield decisions and perceived right-of-way at junctions: road traffic rule knowledge, simple road crossings, warning sign and pedestrian behaviour effects. Journal of Transport and Health (JTH), 51:102385. ISSN 2214-1405 (Online) (doi:10.1016/j.jth.2026.102385)

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Abstract

Introduction: The effect of recent changes to pedestrian priority at junctions in the UK on driver judgements is unclear. Two online studies were conducted to gauge the extent to which drivers observe this rule and the effect of low-cost engineering countermeasures on drivers’ yield decisions and perceived right of way.
Methods: Participants were presented with junction images that were systematically manipulated to determine the effect of courtesy crossings. The first study looked at the effect of a simple, non-prescribed zebra crossing design, and the second study investigated an alternative footway crossing design. Additional variables of interest were included, with the first study exploring effects of pedestrian stance and vehicle turn direction, and the second study looking at warning sign presence and pedestrian gaze factors.
Results: Knowledge of the priority change was associated with a higher likelihood of yield decision and greater perception of pedestrian priority. The presence of crossings resulted in higher likelihood of deciding to yield, and greater perceived pedestrians right of way, with a larger effect observed for simple zebra crossings. Yield decision likelihood, and perceived pedestrian priority, were higher when a warning sign was present, as well as higher for left turns than right turns if a pedestrian was stepping out into the side road.
Conclusions: Simple crossings have the potential to be effective in enhancing pedestrian safety on urban roads. However, they must be unambiguously understood by all road users. Further research is needed to confirm they do not undermine safety at junctions without simple crossings

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	yield behaviour, right of way, highway code, pedestrian priority, courtesy crossing
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology H Social Sciences > H Social Sciences (General) H Social Sciences > HE Transportation and Communications
Faculty / School / Research Centre / Research Group:	Faculty of Education, Health & Human Sciences Faculty of Education, Health & Human Sciences > Institute for Lifecourse Development > Centre for Thinking and Learning Faculty of Education, Health & Human Sciences > School of Human Sciences (HUM)
Last Modified:	15 Jul 2026 09:34
URI:	https://gala.gre.ac.uk/id/eprint/53956

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