Illuminated Crosswalk Panels
Light up the whole crosswalk when pedestrians cross. Drivers can help but see the pedestrians. Sensol Systems of Seattle has some neat solutions.
Traffic safety programs just don't seem to be protecting the public, as pedestrian fatalities hit a 41 year high. If you consider the trends in these fatalities, you might think cities are in over the heads. Here are a few reasons why these programs don't work; that is, don't reduce fatalities:
Major Safety Projects can't find contractors to do the work | Expect Continuing Trends
Harvard says there are racial disparities in traffic fatalities. But is that due more to the fact that they live in underserved communities?
Smart Crossings
STEPVIAL has an intelligent road marking system that illuminates with pedestrians are near to warn drivers people are present.
The Hill - Read more
Most cities expect safety projects to take a long time because they are often big redesign projects that take years to complete, which does little for safety in the short term. Now, cities have a bigger problem. There are no contractors to do the work (source: NPR). But it's not just a labor problem, it's also a material shortage problem too, which is expected to continue for years (read more). Cities can't implement their current strategies. We need to fix that. Waiting isn't a solution.
Can smart street technologies be used in the short term to help reduce the rise in pedestrian fatalities?
In 2021, Kansas City (MO) removed "jaywalking" from its criminal code to address racially biased police stops. In 2018, KC incurred record pedestrian fatalities. Has the city put its residents at risk?
Intelligent Speed Bumps
Actibump has speed bumps that measure speed and adjusts the bump to remind fast drivers to slow down. The correct speed results in a smooth passing. Learn more here.
American Safety Programs Aren't Working
In 2019, the Academy of Sports Medicine noted that safety concerns from traffic crashes may be impacting the American Fitness Index, which incorporates many measurements such as the percent of residents bicycling or walking to work, the Walk Score and Bike Score for cities and the percent of residents using public transportation. Fear will force a decline in active transportation, which may greatly impact the health of residents. It's a problem that is getting worse.
How many Americans have to die before we do something about road safety?
Crosswalk Art
Traffic calming is underway in Europe by using art in crosswalks and intersections. See how this might help slow cars down. Read here.
Pedestrian Safety Concerns Hinder Active Transportation
3 Reasons Traffic Safety Programs Fail
Decriminalize Jaywalking: Did it save pedestrians?
TECHNOLOGIES
How Community Health Declines
COMING SOON
Major Safety Projects: A solution we can't implement
Plan vs Performance - what city safety plans should be focusing on.
Vision Zero - Why it isn't working in the US.
Major Problems - Why cities won't accept help?