Worried About The Pedestrians In Your Town? Three Steps That Will Make The Crosswalks Safer
If you spend any time as a pedestrian, you know how dangerous it can be to try and cross a street, even at a crosswalk. In most cases, you have to step off the curb and hope that motorists will provide you with the time, and space, you need to get across the street safely.
If you're worried about the pedestrians in your town – whether you're an official or just a concerned citizen – there are things that can be done to make the crosswalks a safer place for everyone involved. Here are three methods your town can use to create a safer environment for pedestrians.
Curb Extensions
The curb isn't always the safest place to be when you're a pedestrian. You've got cars coming right up to where you're standing. Unfortunately, it's not always easy to see pedestrians who are waiting at the corner. That's where curb extensions come in handy. Curb extensions do just what the name implies; they extend portions of the curb into the street, creating an area that requires vehicles to slow down around. Curb extensions give pedestrians a safe place to stand while they wait for the light to change. In addition, they also provide motorists a safe way to exit their vehicles when they're parked along city streets.
LED Light Systems
When it comes to crosswalks, the light systems can be difficult to see and to understand. LED light systems provide safety and security for pedestrians and motorists. First, the LED lighting provides better illumination, which makes them visible day and night. Second, LED lighting systems provide clearer signals for pedestrians, and motorists. The signal clearly displays when pedestrians will be in the crosswalks, which allows motorists the opportunity to adjust their speed. An added benefit of LED light systems is that they can be used in all types of traffic situations, such as at crosswalks, and railroad crossings.
Interval Crossing Signals
In most cases, the light will turn green for motorists at the same time as the crossing signal lights for pedestrians. That means that pedestrians and vehicles making right-hand turns will enter the crosswalk at the same time. That's a recipe for disaster, especially when visibility is not at its best. However, interval crossing signals change that. With interval crossing signals, pedestrians will be given the right-of-way for several seconds before the light for vehicles changes to green. This interval provides pedestrians enough time to enter the crosswalk before vehicles do.
If you're concerned for the pedestrians in your community, request that your civic leaders implement the changes described above. For more information, contact local professionals like those found at Lanelight.