Pedestrian crossing signs alert drivers of areas on roadways that are reserved for pedestrians. These signs increase driver awareness and minimize accidents.
These signs are particularly important in areas around schools. They remind motorists to pay attention to their surroundings and to give pedestrians the right of way when the signal indicates to walk.
Zebra Crossings
In the United States and many other countries, zebra crossings are the most common type of pedestrian crosswalk. They are marked with alternating white and dark stripes that resemble the coat of a zebra. They can be found both at intersections with lights and as standalone crossings. Pedestrians are generally given the right of way at these crossings, though this absolute focus on pedestrians has had mixed safety results in the past.
The origin of zebra crossings dates back to the 1930s when a small town in England began experimenting with different road markings that would help pedestrians safely cross roads. At some point, a politician visiting one of these trials spontaneously called them “zebra crossings,” and the name stuck.
Depending on where they’re located, zebra crossings can be either marked with stripes or simply painted black and white to provide greater visibility. They’re also often raised up above the pavement and may be accompanied by Belisha beacons (round, amber-colored lamps mounted on black and white-striped poles), named for Leslie Hore-Belisha, the Minister of Transport who introduced them in 1934.
These striped pedestrian crossings have become an iconic symbol of London and are now seen all over the world. One of the most famous examples is the zebra crossing in Abbey Road, which was immortalized on the cover of The Beatles’ album of the same name. The Abbey Road crossing remains in use today, and visitors frequently pause to recreate the iconic photo (much to the annoyance of locals trying to get home).
Although these simple pedestrian crossings are very effective in their basic form, they’re not without their disadvantages. For example, they can be difficult to see at night and can cause confusion for drivers who don’t expect pedestrians to suddenly appear in front of them. It’s also important to locate them near the route that pedestrians are most likely to take; otherwise, they may avoid using the crossing altogether. This can lead to accidents that happen near the crossing but not at it. In this case, pedestrian facilities such as road narrowings and refuges are often more appropriate.
Countdown Signal Lights
Pedestrian countdown signals are a type of traffic signal designed to help pedestrians avoid collisions with vehicles. They show pedestrians how much time remains before the WALK light is lit, and they can also display a DON’T WALK message. These signals are often installed at busy intersections and can be particularly helpful in school zones and other areas with high pedestrian traffic.
Unlike traditional signal lights, these devices have an integrated pedestrian counter. This counter can be set to begin counting when the WALK light is displayed or, more commonly, at the beginning of the flashing DON’T WALK phase. The MUTCD recommends that the countdown begins at the beginning of the flashing DON’T CROSS phase because it can increase pedestrian compliance with the law by warning them not to start crossing before the WALK light has started to flash.
The signal’s design also provides a gap of two seconds when neither pedestrians nor motorists are allowed to move so that people can safely reach the other side of the street without running into passing cars or trucks. In many cities and towns, the gaps are marked by dotted lines or arrows that point in the direction of the pedestrian walkway.
In some countries, the traffic signals that are used to control pedestrian crossings are called zebra crossings, and they are typically made of alternate black and white stripes. These markings are meant to resemble the stripes of a zebra, and they give pedestrians priority over vehicular traffic. In addition, they may be accompanied by call buttons, traffic lights, or HAWK beacons that allow vehicular traffic to proceed through the area as long as the pedestrians remain on the crossing.
In recent years, the use of pedestrian countdown signal controls has become more common in some countries and regions. However, there is a debate about whether these signals are effective in reducing pedestrian accidents at road intersections. Some research has found that they can actually increase the number of collisions, as drivers may rely on the countdown to tell them when it is safe to drive through the intersection.
Pedestrian Traffic Lights
Pedestrian traffic signals are special lights that indicate when pedestrians may safely cross the street. They are used at intersections with high volumes of pedestrian traffic, school crossings, and locations where other traffic signals do not adequately help pedestrians navigate the intersection. Unlike traditional traffic signals, which use words to convey information, pedestrian signals display images of symbols that are universally understood. In addition, modern pedestrian signals often include countdown timers to give pedestrians an idea of how much crossing time is remaining.
Generally, the first symbol displayed on a pedestrian signal is a green walking person. This indicates that pedestrians may begin their crossing at the location of the signal. In some jurisdictions, the walking person may also be shown with a flashing red light, which warns pedestrians that the WALK period is about to end and the DON’T WALK signal will soon be activated. In other jurisdictions, the flashing green WALK signal simply means that it is safe for pedestrians to start their crossing at the location of the signal.
When the second signal, a yellow walking person with a red palm, is displayed, pedestrians are allowed to continue their crossing for 30 seconds. This is followed by a five-second period during which east and west vehicular traffic is given a green light. Pedestrians are advised to watch for vehicles as they cross since drivers may fail to notice pedestrians in some cases.
In some jurisdictions, the third signal, a white flashing hand (or a flat palm on older signals) indicates that it is not safe to begin crossing the street. During this period, pedestrians should wait on the sidewalk for a WALK signal to be activated. Pedestrians who have already begun their crossing during the flashing DON’T WALK signal may finish their crossing but should not start again.
Animated eyes are a common feature of modern pedestrian signals, and they can be particularly useful for visually impaired pedestrians. The animated eyes are a pair of brightly illuminated eyes that scan from side to side at a rate of about once per second. The eyes can be activated by pushing a button or by scanning the area around the crosswalk with a sensor.
Pedestrian Crossing Signs
Pedestrian crossing signs are found along roads that have pedestrian traffic, allowing pedestrians to identify the demarcated areas where they can safely cross the roadway. These signs usually face the roadway so that vehicles driving on the road can see them from a distance and slow down or stop to let pedestrians pass. They are also helpful in preventing accidents because motorists can be more aware of the presence of pedestrians and take precautions accordingly.
Unlike traditional traffic lights, which are designed for cars and trucks, pedestrian crossing signals must be carefully adapted to ensure the safety of pedestrians. This is because pedestrians move at a much slower speed, and it takes them longer to get across the street. Moreover, pedestrians are more likely to be hit by fast-moving vehicles, making it essential for them to be seen at all times. The good news is that there are many different ways to improve pedestrian visibility, from zebra crossings and countdown signal lights to traffic islands and sidewalk bridges.
One of the most important things you can do to increase pedestrian safety is to use marked crossings whenever possible. Most people are hit by vehicles while attempting to cross the road, so be sure to check both sides for traffic before proceeding. It’s also a good idea to cross at intersections when possible. If you can’t, make sure to use the marked pedestrian crossings on either side of the intersection.
Another way to increase pedestrian safety is using a traffic light with a dedicated pedestrian phase. This will allow pedestrians to cross the road when the traffic light for vehicles is green while giving them a clear signal that it’s safe to do so. This will help prevent accidents and reduce the time pedestrians take to cross the road.
Pedestrian traffic signs are available in a variety of sizes and styles, including metal signs that mount to the side of a sidewalk or curb. They can be customized with your choice of text and graphics; some have reflective materials for enhanced visibility at night. They also feature bold, eye-catching graphics that can easily attract the attention of pedestrians.
