Expert system for treating pedestrian crossings

Abstract

This paper describes the Expert System for Treating Pedestrian Crossings (SETTP) and proposes a methodology to be used when deciding whether to implement a pedestrian crossings and which type of remedial measure should be directed to it. The current practice is inadequate: the majority of Brazilian traffic experts use methodologies derived from different prevailing conditions and often do not provide adaptation to local conditions, or use subjective criteria. SETTP's characteristics show that it can be used for training professionals working for local public agencies. Municipalities have been in charge of traffic management since 1997, when the new Highway Code was implemented. SETTP is currently available as a prototype and has been used in analyses of locations in Rio de Janeiro. In the majority of the sites, SETTP has provided estimates similar to the performance observed in the field after implementing the remedial measures proposed.