• Introduction to Safe Routes to School: the Health, Safety and Transportation Nexus
• Steps to Creating a Safe Routes to School Program
• Engineering
  • Guiding Principles for Applying Safe Routes to School Engineering Solutions
  • What's Wrong With This Picture?
  • School Route Maps and the Tools to Create Them
  • The School Zone
  • Along the School Route
  • Crossing the Street
  • Slowing Down Traffic
  • Resources
  • References
• Enforcement
• Encouragement
• Education
• Student Drop-off and Pick-up
• Evaluation
• Media and Visibility
• Case Studies

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Enchanced-visibility Crosswalks

Lighted Crosswalks

Crosswalks with in-roadway warning lights, also referred to as flashing crosswalks, may be used to further alert drivers to crosswalks and to children crossing the street. Lighted crosswalks consist of a series of lights that are embedded into the pavement along the crosswalk lines, which are activated when a pedestrian pushes a button or starts walking into the crosswalk.

To date, no studies exist that have quantified the effects of lighted crosswalks on pedestrian crashes. Studies have found mixed results in terms of their effect on drivers yielding to pedestrians and motor vehicle speeds.   These devices are expensive to install and have high maintenance costs. High-tech solutions, such as lighted crosswalks, should not be used without also considering geometric and other traffic control solutions. Flashing crosswalks cannot be used at traffic signals.

For more information on in-roadway warning lights visit 2004 PEDSAFE "School Zone Improvements" Cupertino, California, case study. Another case study is available from PEDSAFE named "Illuminated Crosswalk” Denville, New Jersey, case study.

Yield Lines and Set-back Stop Lines

Yield lines and set-back stop lines in advance of crosswalks improve a driver’s view of the pedestrian in the crosswalk, reduce the number of motor vehicles encroaching on the crosswalk, and indicate that drivers should yield to pedestrians in advance of crosswalks. Stop lines are used in advance of marked crosswalks at signalized intersections, while yield lines are placed in advance of unsignalized crosswalks.

A clear and simple marked crosswalk with set-back yield markings placed well in advance of the crosswalk can reduce the chance of a multiple-threat collision. A YIELD HERE FOR PEDESTRIAN sign is important in addition to the advance yield line. A multiple-threat collision is a pedestrian crash type that occurs when pedestrians have to cross more than one lane in each direction. A motor vehicle in one lane stops and provides a visual screen to the driver in the adjacent lane. The motor vehicle in the adjacent lane continues to move and hits the pedestrian.

A line of painted triangles, also referred to as “shark’s teeth” yield markings are appropriate for use as the yield line at unsignalized locations, as per the Manual on Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) 2003 Edition.[2] Some states have called for the placement of lines 30 to 50 feet prior to crosswalks at unsignalized locations. This distance is far enough away to provide for improved sight distance in the adjacent lanes. If the stop lines are placed more than 50 feet away, drivers are more likely to ignore the line and stop only a few feet prior to the crosswalk or in the crosswalk.

Advance stop lines at midblock signals can help improve the visibility of that signal as drivers may not expect to stop at a midblock traffic signal. Advance stop lines at signals results in the need for longer change intervals for drivers (yellow plus all red times).

Parking Restrictions at Corners

Restricting parking at corners will improve visibility of the crossing for both drivers and pedestrians. At a minimum, 30 feet should be kept clear in advance of marked crosswalks to help pedestrians and drivers see each other better. Distances greater than 30 feet are generally better, but parking restrictions have to be balanced with the need of the driver. For example, if parent parking is severely restricted or completely removed near schools, parents may ignore all parking restrictions.

SRTS Guide