# Effects of Distracted Pedestrian Behavior on Transportation Safety: Causes and Contributing Factors
## 2 Materials and Methods  
For this study, 10 signalized intersections in the Howard University area in Washington, DC, were identified as study locations for video data collection as well as for conducting surveys. These locations were selected after reviewing the Traffic Safety Statistics Report for the District of Columbia. The 10 intersections selected for the study predominantly have higher foot traffic because they are either located near a university, a popular tourist attraction, or near metro/ metrobus stops. The intersections are:  
1. 14 th Street and W Street, NW;
2. 14 th Street and Q Street, NW;
3. 14 th Street and S Street, NW;
4. 4 th Street and Bryant Street, NW;
5. 4 th Street and Howard Place, NW;
6. Georgia Avenue and Bryant Street, NW;
7. Florida Avenue and Sherman Avenue, NW;
8. Georgia Avenue and Fairmont Street, NW;
9. Georgia Avenue and Harvard Street, NW;
10. Georgia Avenue and Howard Place, NW.  
Figure 1 presents the distribution of data collection locations on a map in Washington, DC, USA. The data collection for this research consisted of a combination of surveys, observational studies, and video data analysis to gather comprehensive data on pedestrian behavior and intersection characteristics. Surveys were conducted to collect data from pedestrians at selected intersections to provide valuable insights into their perceptions, attitudes, and experiences related to distraction and safety. These surveys were designed to capture both quantitative and qualitative responses to obtain a comprehensive understanding of pedestrian behavior and their awareness of safety issues.  
The data were collected in the following categories:  
* Demographic Information and Purpose of the Trip  
The survey recorded demographic information, such as age, gender, race, and employment status. Additionally, the survey sought to capture the purpose of each pedestrian trip. These demographic data allow for the identification of potential patterns or trends in distracted behavior across different groups of people, shedding light on whether certain demographics are more prone to distraction.  
* Perception of Safety at the Study Location  
The survey also focused on pedestrian perceptions of safety at the intersections where the study was conducted. Participants were asked whether they regularly used the intersection if they considered the location safe and which factors they believed contributed to the intersection's safety. Additionally, the survey explored whether participants had experienced any near-miss incidents at these intersections. This information helps in understanding how subjective feelings of safety align with actual risk and distraction behaviors.
* Distraction and Safety Concerns  
The primary objective of the survey was to identify the causes of pedestrian distraction and any associated safety concerns. Questions were posed to gather data on distractions, such as cellphone or headphone use, the presence of large billboards or advertisements, and awareness of pedestrian safety campaigns. This information was critical in determining the most common sources of distraction and assessing pedestrians' overall awareness of safety measures in place at the intersections.  
A sample of the specific survey questions asked can be found in Appendix A. This rich dataset provides a foundation for analyzing pedestrian behavior in relation to distractions and safety, allowing for a detailed exploration of potential solutions to mitigate pedestrian distraction at intersections.  
Figure 1: Data Collection Locations.