In what should come as a surprise to no one, drivers are much more likely to yield to pedestrians when they can actually see them.
A new study from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety emphasizes the importance of crosswalk lighting for pedestrian safety, reports Dan Zukowski in Smart Cities Dive.
The study analyzed four intersections in Kalamazoo, Michigan. “At these intersections, none of which had traffic signals, researchers found that drivers slowed where flashing beacons or any type of lighting were present, but a combination of flashing beacons and crosswalk lighting triggered by the pedestrian resulted in the highest yielding behavior.” At one dimly lit site, flashing beacons and crosswalk lighting made drivers 13 times more likely to yield to pedestrians.
The study highlights how simple, relatively inexpensive fixes can help stem the epidemic of traffic deaths facing most U.S. communities. According to IIHS President David Harkey, “We can stop pedestrians from being killed if we make sure drivers see them — but first city planners and road designers have to see the light.”
FULL STORY: Lighted crosswalks improve pedestrian safety at night, study shows
Southeast LA Road Safety Advocates Call for Improved Infrastructure
Streets in southeastern Los Angeles County have a severe lack of protected bike lanes and traffic safety measures, leading to high numbers of fatalities in a community where many residents depend on walking and biking for daily needs.
San Francisco Implements ‘Daylighting’ at Intersections
Vehicles are prohibited from parking within 20 feet of a crosswalk as part of the city’s Vision Zero efforts to eliminate traffic deaths and make roads safer.
Jacksonville Takes Action on Vision Zero
The city is implementing its first-ever Vision Zero Action Plan in an effort to reduce pedestrian and cyclist deaths and serious injuries.
Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto
The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.
National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions
Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.
Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50
A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.
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Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto
The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.
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