Pedestrian Crossing Safety Tips

Thousands of pedestrians are killed in motor vehicle traffic accidents each year, and many thousands more are injured. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a pedestrian was killed every 88 minutes in traffic crashes in 2017, which is more than 16 people a day.

Pedestrian safety is a top priority in cities, towns and communities across the country. From posting signs with flashing lights at crosswalks to installing speed bumps to reduce vehicle speeds in areas frequented by pedestrians and cyclists, the focus is on increasing visibility at street crossings and alerting motorists to slow down.

Individuals can also do their part to protect themselves and their loved ones when walking. There are numerous resources for safety tips and education online and in local communities. For example, the Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center offers these basic pedestrian crossing safety tips:

• Cross streets at marked crosswalks or intersections whenever possible. If a crosswalk or intersection is not available, choose a well-lit area with the best view of traffic.
• Follow the rules of the road and obey all traffic signals.
• Look left, right and left again before crossing a street.
• Watch for turning vehicles. Make eye contact with approaching drivers to make sure you are seen.
• Look across ALL lanes of traffic and visually clear each lane before proceeding. If one motorist stops, do not assume drivers in other lanes can see you.
• Stay alert at all times – don't wear headphones or talk on your cell phone while crossing the street.

Crossing Signs Improve Pedestrian and Motorist Safety

While painted crosswalks are a fundamental safety precaution, drivers may fail to notice the marks, especially on congested streets or during inclement weather. Installing signage can enhance safety by being visible to those who are walking and making motorists more aware that they are approaching a marked pedestrian crossing.

Traffic Safety Direct offers a wide range of signs for use in making crosswalks safer. These include signs that meet specific standards outlined in the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), such as our 30” Pedestrian Crossing Signs which are available in Engineer, Hi-Intensity and Diamond grade yellow or FYG Lime Green.

LED pedestrian crossing signs have flashing lights that provide added safety. This is especially critical given the NHSTA’s finding that 75% of pedestrian fatalities occur after dark. Our Solar LED Pedestrian Crossing Sign is an affordable and cost-effective way to draw attention to crosswalks. The high-visibility, LED blinking lights warn drivers of possible pedestrians so they can use extra caution as they approach. Simple to install on sign posts, these signs are ideal for use on streets, in parking lots, at schools and events, and anywhere there is sun light to power it. Each sign lasts 5 to 7 days on a single full charge and is visible from up to 3000 feet. For locations requiring smaller signage, choose our 24x24 Solar LED Traffic Safety Sign.

Quick release In Street Pedestrian Crosswalk Signs protect pedestrians and are now required in many states. Available in either “Stop” or “Yield”, these signs feature double-sided polyethylene panels that withstand the elements. The reactive spring assembly allows each sign to bounce back on impact, and a new “anti-twist” feature keeps the sign facing traffic. If our signs wear or become damaged over time, you save money by simply replacing the damaged parts.

We offer portable and fixed base options for our In Street Pedestrian Crosswalk Signs. The portable recycled rubber base provides convenient transportability. The fixed base, which is constructed from high density polyethylene plastic, is easy to install and its quick release design allows for no-hassle sign insertion and removal.

At Traffic Safety Direct, we support our customers’ efforts to protect pedestrians by providing a range of safety products to suit any situation. Give us a call and let us know how we can help – 888-260-3246.