Traffic and Pedestrian Safety

As the percentage of pedestrian versus vehicle accidents continues to rise in many locales, crosswalk safety is at the forefront of concern in traffic safety circles. According to data accumulated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 2003 statistics revealed that pedestrian fatalities at crosswalks was astoundingly high and growing by the year. The highest percentage of individuals killed were elderly people, and the FHWA, or Federal Highway Administration, has announced that crossroads safety is the most high-risk area of transportation and sits at the top of the list as an area of concern.

Safety is very difficult to achieve at intersections but, nonetheless, is of utmost importance. These points of traffic where pedestrians and vehicles merge are the highest risk traffic function on roadways. People are forced to make complex speed and distance judgments under small time constraints. Almost one quarter of all accidents happen at intersections.

More than 90 percent of all intersection fatalities are the cause of driver error due to avoidable behaviors; and, sadly, some drivers do it on a daily basis. Things like running red lights, using cell phones, GPSs, CD players, and laptop computers, as well as other electronic devices while driving, not stopping completely at stop signs, and just hurrying in general are all components that lead to accidents that may cause death to someone. Surprisingly, it is these behaviors such as these that account for the most intersection fatalities instead of things like drivers under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Keep in mind, there are a staggering number of injuries and deaths that occur due to these things as well and are entirely preventable.

Pedestrian safety for children is no exception considering the rates of school bus accidents every year with an average of 11 people killed involving school buses. Although these figures are small when compared to overall school transportation, they reflect a reality that can be disturbing. A key to lowering these numbers is public education and commercial Delineator posts Grip top that will better ensure the safety of individuals.

Local cities and towns as well as the entire nation should have a large interest in marking school zones and other walkways to assure safety to pedestrians. Children's safety at crosswalks is a combined effort between private companies who manufacture safety products and the neighborhoods who have a special interest in keeping their citizens safe. The future belongs to the children.