The effects of pedestrian gestures on driver yielding at crosswalks: A systematic replication

Myers et al. (2022) tested two simple gestures at three uncontrolled crosswalks. Pedestrians either extended one arm straight out or raised a hand high before stepping into the street.

Researchers watched real drivers and counted how many stopped. They compared gesture trials to crossings with no signal at all.

Both arm-extended and hand-raised gestures boosted driver yielding. More cars stopped when walkers used either cue than when they gave no cue.

The effect held across all three crosswalks, showing the gestures work in different spots.

Wolchik et al. (1982) also studied crosswalk behavior, but changed traffic-light timing instead of pedestrian moves. Their earlier work shows the crossing itself can be tweaked; Myers adds that the walker’s own action matters too.

Hart et al. (1974) used a token system to double bus ridership. Like Myers, they proved a tiny, low-cost move can shift public behavior without big rewards.

Rice et al. (2009) showed that a quick word of praise from a boss lifted employee greetings. Both studies reveal that brief social signals—gesture or praise—can spark large, lasting gains.

Tell your clients to extend an arm or raise a hand before they cross. This zero-cost prompt can make drivers stop more often and keep pedestrians safer. Use it in safety lessons, travel training, or caregiver handouts. No extra equipment, no tokens, just one clear movement.