In ongoing efforts to protect pedestrians, a new study reveals that sometimes the brightest ideas are also the simplest. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has found that lighting solutions and well-lit crosswalks can increase driver yielding and potentially prevent pedestrian accidents.
With 7,522 pedestrian fatalities in 2022 and a staggering 75% of those deaths occurring after dark, it's clear that nighttime presents a danger for those on foot. But could the solution be as straightforward as flipping a switch?
How effective are lighting solutions on crosswalks?
Researchers from IIHS and Western Michigan University put this question to the test in Kalamazoo, Michigan. They compared various lighting systems at four locations, including T intersections, a four-way intersection, and a midblock crossing.
The results were eye-opening. When crosswalk lighting was added at dimly lit intersections, drivers were more than three times more likely to yield to pedestrians. This simple change also tripled the chances of drivers slowing down by more than 10 mph as they approached the crosswalk.
But the real game-changer came when researchers combined lighting with flashing beacons. At one intersection, this dynamic duo made drivers a whopping 13 times more likely to yield compared to dark conditions. Additionally, extra crosswalk lighting didn't significantly change driver behavior at a brightly lit midblock location. This suggests that existing adequate lighting can be sufficient in some cases.
How can we use this information to protect pedestrians?
IIHS President David Harkey puts it plainly: "When drivers are yielding, pedestrians aren't dying." The study's findings offer a clear roadmap for city planners and road designers looking to boost pedestrian safety.
By implementing targeted lighting solutions, communities can dramatically reduce the risks pedestrians face after dark. The combination of crosswalk illuminators and flashing beacons seems particularly promising, as they address both driver attention and visibility issues. While urban planning often involves complex decisions, sometimes the most effective solutions are right in front of us—or rather, right above our crosswalks. Visibility saves lives.
As Harkey notes, "We can stop pedestrians from being killed if we make sure drivers see them." It's a straightforward concept that could have far-reaching implications for road safety across the country.
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