Common sense would say that marked crosswalks should make the roadways safer for pedestrians. In fact, this seems so logical that many areas routinely use these markings at almost every busy intersection. Surprisingly, a research study conducted in San Diego over a seven-year period has shown that this practice results in a dramatic increase in pedestrian accidents. If you find this hard to believe, here’s more about what this study had to say:
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Six Accidents at Marked Crosswalks to One at Unmarked
The San Diego study found that six pedestrian-related accidents occurred in marked crosswalks for every one that happened in an unmarked crosswalk. Unmarked crosswalks were defined as any corner-to-corner path without painted markings at the intersection of two streets. Even when this 6:1 ratio was adjusted to account for crosswalk use to traffic rate, the ratio was still an alarming 2:1 figure.
Why the Difference?
There are a number of theories used to explain this surprising difference including:
- Marked crosswalks give pedestrians a false sense of security.
- In many cases, drivers may not see the markings before it’s too late to stop.
- Some localities use poor judgment when deciding where to place marked crosswalks.
Are There Any Benefits?
Of course, there are. When used responsibly, these traffic markings can:
- Help channel pedestrian traffic to specific crossing areas.
- Help alert drivers to pedestrians when used in association with traffic signals.
- Show pedestrians the safest routes to use when crossing busy roadways.
The Final Recommendations
To close, the study group provided a few observations and recommendations. First, they noted that marked crosswalks increase taxpayer expense when they are poorly located or unjustified, especially when the expense does not result in increased public safety. In fact, a poorly located crosswalk can actually increase potential hazards to all citizens including motorists and pedestrians. Finally, marked crosswalks should only be installed in locations where the expected benefits outweigh all associated risks to be considered a beneficial traffic control device.
If you happen to be one of the individuals who have been seriously injured at either a marked or unmarked crosswalk, call on the expert help of an experienced personal injury attorney to protect your rights. We can evaluate the details of the accident including the legality of the crosswalk in question and the actions of each party. Give us a call today to find out how we can help you obtain the compensation you deserve.
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