Safety Toolbox: Engineering

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Signs to prompt pedestrians

Signs installed at unsignalized crosswalks include those that encourage pedestrians to wait before stepping out in the street while signaling their intentions to cross, and then thanking the drivers. Other signs include a "Watch for Turning Vehicles" sign. Signs installed at signalized crossings urged pedestrians to wait for the WALK signal, then extend arm to alert drivers and continue to look for vehicles while crossing the street. Signs feature a pictogram of a pedestrian with his/her arm extended and only one foot off the curb.

objective

To instruct and direct pedestrians to use proper techniques when crossing a street.

applications

At signalized and unsignalized crosswalk intersections.

target population

All Pedestrians

crash type

Pedestrian R/W Violation-Intersection, Pedestrian Violation-Intersection

advantages

Signs give clear instructions to pedestrians to cross in the safest possible way

disadvantages

May contribute to sign pollution and lose effectiveness over time

pointers

Sign placement is critical, especially at signalized locations where signs should not interfere with the pedestrian signal head.

cost

Low $150/sign

responsibility

Public Works

further reading

Center for Urban Transportation Research, University of South Florida

examples

City of St. Petersburg, FL

related tools

Motorists Prompting Signs, Pavement Legends for Pedestrians

Index: alphabetical / cost / crash type / target population

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Bicycles/Pedestrians

Safety Toolbox: Engineering