Which Signs Can You Use to Increase Pedestrian Crosswalk Safety?
Posted by Jeffrey Dornbos on 4th Aug 2016
Yearly, approximately 5,000 pedestrians and 800 bicyclists die after being involved in a wreck with a vehicle. Pedestrian and cyclist deaths account for 16% of traffic fatalities that occur in the United States annually. In fact, every 8 minutes a pedestrian is injured in a traffic collision in our country and according to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration, 65,000 pedestrians are injured in roadway accidents every year in America. So what can we do? What can be done to lower the number of pedestrian injuries and deaths each year, and how can we improve pedestrian safety in the U.S.?
Install Visible and Readable Signage
First and foremost, communities must ensure that the proper signage is in place for pedestrians and motorists to see and read. Dornbos Sign & Safety, Inc. supplies a wide selection of pedestrian signs, perfect for any situation in which a pedestrian or pedestrians might be present. For example we sell:
- In-Street Pedestrian Crosswalk Signs
- Blinking LED Pedestrian Crossing Signs
- ‘State Law Stop for Pedestrians’ Signs
- ‘State Law Yield for Pedestrians’ Signs
- ‘No Pedestrian Crossing’ Signs
- ’Pedestrians Prohibited’ Signs
- ‘Pedestrians and Bicycles Prohibited’ Signs
In whatever type of location, if there is a possibility pedestrians might be there, then there should be signs in place to direct them of where and where not to go.
Encourage Pedestrians to Follow These Simple Guidelines
Unfortunately many accidents take place because motorists and/or pedestrians are not paying attention to the situation at hand. Also, if the proper signage is not in place or pedestrians are crossing the street in places they shouldn’t be, casualties are more likely to occur. Therefore, we have come up with a number of suggestions for pedestrians to consider before stepping out where cars are located:
1 .BE VISIBLE—make sure that you are visible to drivers before crossing the street in front of them.
2. MAKE EYE CONTACT—if possible, make eye contact with the driver of a vehicle to ensure that he or she is stopping for you and allowing you to cross the roadway.
3. STAY ALERT—it is important that you put your phone and headphones away, and avoid distractions as much as possible.
4. FOLLOW THE RULES—road signs are there for a reason. Cross streets where and when you are supposed to in order to avoid casualties.
All in all, when you are a pedestrian or motorist, be aware of what is going on around you at all times so you can avoid unnecessary collisions on the roadway.
Contact Dornbos Sign & Safety, Inc. for Your Pedestrian Signage Today
If your community is lacking in proper pedestrian signage or you are looking for more (because more can be better!), then head on over to Dornbos Sign & Safety, Inc.’s website and take a look at all that we offer in pedestrian road signage and installation equipment. Reach out to our friendly and knowledgeable staff with any questions you have by calling 800-922-0029 or fill out our online contact form .