28.8 Improving Pedestrian Visibility and Conspicuity at Crosswalks

Several treatments are available to increase motorist awareness of crosswalks, draw attention to pedestrians, and make pedestrians easier to detect. In addition to treatments listed in Table 28.3, raised curbs and medians elevate pedestrians above grade level, which increases their visibility and conspicuity.

Table 28.3 Treatments to Improve Pedestrian Visibility, Conspicuity, and Safety at Crosswalks
Treatment	Suggested Conditions for Use	Impacts
Advance Stop / Yield Lines and Signs	Crosswalks at uncontrolled, multilane approaches with parking restrictions	Better pedestrian visibility Improved motorist scanning for pedestrians Better motorist stopping/yielding, particularly when combined with other treatments (e.g., flashing beacons, pedestrian hybrid beacons). Fewer multiple threat crashes
Parking Restrictions	Crosswalks at which there is not enough sight distance to elicit a proper response from motorists	Better pedestrian visibility Fewer pedestrian crashes
Gateways	Unsignalized crosswalks on low-speed roads with a lot of pedestrian traffic / pedestrian traffic generators Trail crossings	Improved motorist yielding Motorist yielding occurs farther from the crosswalk Lower speeds, irrespective of pedestrian presence

Individual countermeasures are effective, however, they perform best and produce the greatest benefits when used in combination with other countermeasures.

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CONTACT:

Chris VanDyke

Research Scientist | Program Manager

chrisvandyke@uky.edu