Japan, Canada, Great Britain, Australia, and Germany have developed standards for accessible pedestrian signals (APS). The International Standards Organization (ISO) is currently finalizing an APS standard. The California Traffic Manual also contains an APS standard.

Intersections in some parts of San Francisco are being fitted with infrared emitters that can send verbal crossing information on signal phase, street location, crossing direction, and even crossing type to pedestrians carrying individual receivers.

The City of Los Angeles has developed a rating system for street crossings to confirm the need for accessible pedestrian signals (APS). Engineers evaluate proximity to transit, pedestrian accidents, intersection configuration, street width, vehicle speed, traffic volumes and flow, and a range of special conditions that include right-turning volume, complex phasing, right turn signals, free right turns, and other items to arrive at a point total for each intersection that can be used to warrant requested signals. In 1985, the City of San Diego implemented an intersection evaluation policy for APS installation.

Research conducted in New York and in Clearwater, FL indicates that an audible pedhead prompt improves pedestrian safety. Engineers tested voiced reminders to pedestrians to ‘look both ways’ before entering a crossing.