Preventing Pedestrian Accidents In Minneapolis

Drivers should take appropriate care in crowded areas or school zones, for the potential that a pedestrian will enter the roadway.

Pedestrians should follow the advice that we attempt to ingrain into the youngest of children – look both ways before attempting to cross the street.

Every person walking has the duty to obey traffic laws and to pay attention to traffic conditions. Generally speaking, pedestrians should not begin or continue across a street if they see a vehicle approaching.

There are many things that can be done to reduce pedestrian collisions. Improving the design and materials of roadways and implementing educational and community programs have great potential.

Some of the most important categories of engineering changes that can be made to roadways include separation of pedestrians from vehicles by time or space, measures that increase the visibility and conspicuity of pedestrians, and reduction of vehicle speeds. Separation countermeasures reduce the exposure of pedestrians to potential harm on the roadside and when crossing the street.

Some effective separation countermeasures include:

• Sidewalks

• Overpasses

• Underpasses

• Refuge islands in the medians of busy two-way streets

Increased lighting and improved signal timing at intersections can make walkers safer. Also, walkers can where reflective clothing when they will be out at dusk or after dark.

Educational and community-based awareness programs could greatly reduce the number of pedestrian collisions. Messages instructing children and adults about street crossings could particularly reduce neighborhood accidents involving children darting out into the street.