How ‘Daylighting’ Intersections Can Save Lives

Writing in Strong Towns, Ben Abramson describes a simple yet effective tactic for improving traffic safety: daylighting.

Daylighting is the technical term for a common-sense solution to traffic safety: By removing visual obstructions in approaching intersections, users can better see and more safely cross each other’s paths.

Cities looking to improve their intersections can use a guide created by the National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO), which explains how to use low-cost solutions to make all users in road crossings more visible to each other.

The article offers visual examples from cities around North America that use tools like bollards, paint, curb cuts, and dedicated bus and bike lanes to protect pedestrians and improve visibility. As Abramson concludes, “Daylighting is one of those things that once you notice it, you can’t unsee it.”