School Zone Safety Information
 
 School parking lots and drop-off/pick-up areas frequently are congested due to large numbers of private vehicles attempting to access school grounds. In many cases, on-site facilities-even for new school sites-were unable to accommodate the large demand, resulting in congestion and queuing on site.

As traffic volumes increase on and around school sites during drop-off and pick-up periods, so do the number of potential conflicts between vehicles and pedestrians. When different transportation modes compete for the same space, coupled with inadequate traffic control and supervision, an unsafe environment can result.

 Many existing school driveways and parking lots were not designed to handle the large numbers of vehicles picking up and dropping off students, in terms of circulation or parking. In addition, many urban schools (built before 1980) do not have driveways or parking lots to use for pick-up and drop-off. As a result, the adjacent streets are lined with parked vehicles.

 Many of the observations and solutions for on-site problems also apply to the on-street issues observed. Providing consistent and visible traffic control on the streets adjacent to schools presumably will aid pedestrians and drivers as they enter a school zone. More visible school zones also can be obtained by maintaining School signs, sidewalks and crosswalk pavement markings; using high-visibility signing; the presence of adult monitors and crossing guards; and other traffic calming features.

 Signing and pavement markings should be maintained on a regular basis (at least once per year) and, preferably, school zone signing and pavement markings should be checked at the beginning of the school year and periodically thereafter to ensure that they are in good condition in all environments (day, night, wet).

 Reduced speeds near schools are fairly standard; however, drivers do not always observe speed limits. Providing supplemental signing in a school zone may offer an additional reminder to drivers to slow down. Real-time speed radar signs that flash vehicle speeds are becoming more popular in school zones, as well as "Fines Double in School Zones" signs.

 Pedestrian countdown timers at signalized intersections and mid-block crossings are seen as a benefit to students because they gauge whether they have enough time to cross the street. Trained adult crossing guards also provide students additional assistance when crossing busy streets.

CONClUSION

 The number of students arriving and departing from school in passenger vehicles has increased to approximately 50 percent, up from 12 percent three decades ago. Both on-site and on-street traffic and safety problems are occurring as a result of this shift in transportation modes. Communication among schools, parents, cities, law enforcement and students about behavior expectations in school zones is critical to success and safety in school zones.

 Safety problems most frequently observed included students crossing at unmarked crosswalks, students unloading and loading on the street side, all transportation modes (bus, pedestrians, vehicles) sharing the same space and traffic violations. In addition to these student and driver behaviors, many schools did not have structured arrival or dismissal procedures in place and did not have a school transportation safety committee established to assist with problems before and after school.

 Be sure to take advantage of the Safe Routes To School funding program being offered to all municipalities by the Federal government, and learn how your school can benefit from this incredible program and how U.S. Barricades and U.S. Traffic Sign can assist you in creating Safe Routes to School.

Federal Funding for School Zones
http://safety.fhwa.dot.gov/saferoutes/srtsguidance.htm

State Routes To Schools Funding
http://safety.fhwa.dot.gov/saferoutes/fy09projection.htm

FOREWORD

 The Department of Transportation's crosswalk policy is based on research conducted over a seven-year period with U.S. Barricades and U.S. Traffic Sign. The approach to evaluating crosswalk needs, which resulted from that research, has resulted in cities being consistently ranked as the safest pedestrian city in the nation. The U.S. Barricades & Traffic Sign study showed nearly six pedestrian accidents were occurring in marked crosswalks for every one mishap in unmarked crosswalks (those unpainted crosswalks that exist by State law at all intersections). When this ratio was adjusted in terms of relative crosswalk usage, there was still an impressive 2 to 1 difference in accidents.

 Overall, the question of crosswalks is a difficult one and there are no easy answers. The following discussion surveys some of the factors which enter into traffic engineers' decisions to mark crosswalks and are offered here in the interest of broader public understanding.

HOW SECURE ARE YOU IN A CROSSWALK?

 Marked crosswalks are widely classified as safety devices and most jurisdictions give the pedestrian the right-of-way when within them. Interestingly, however, there is strong evidence that these very facts prompt many pedestrians to feel overly secure when using a marked crosswalk - to the degree that they may aggressively place themselves in a hazardous position with respect to vehicles in the mistaken belief that the vehicle can and will stop in all cases, even when it may be impossible to do so. It is not unusual, also, for this type of pedestrian behavior to cause rear-end collisions.

 By contrast, a pedestrian using an unmarked crosswalk generally feels less secure, less certain that the vehicle will stop - and exercises more caution in waiting for safe gaps in traffic before crossing. The end result is fewer accidents at unmarked crosswalks.

THE CROSSWALK AS A WARNING DEVICE

 One of the commonly accepted functions of the marked crosswalk is that it serves as a warning device to the traveling public.

 And yet, studies show that the driver's view of a crosswalk is greatly reduced at the safe stopping sight distance - where he should be able to perceive and react to a pedestrian in a crosswalk - due to the effects of foreshortening and distance diminishment. The view of the crosswalk is further affected by road alignment, irregularities in the pavement and other variables like weather, a dirty windshield, glare, and adverse lighting conditions.

 Meanwhile, the pedestrian's view of the same crosswalk is quite impressive and he's prone to assume that, since he can see the crosswalk so well,certainly the driver can see it just as effectively. This resulting overconfidence is seen as another factor in the disproportionate share of accidents in marked crosswalks.

ANOTHER CONTRIBUTOR: EXPOSURE RATIO

 Assume that for every pedestrian who crosses a street in a marked crosswalk there are some 70 vehicles that drive over it. This is a ratio of use only - obviously each pedestrian does not encounter 70 vehicles. The pedestrian may have only encountered a few, if any, vehicles. Similarly, few, if any of the 70 drivers may have had to slow down or stop for the pedestrian.

 In many locations on our roads and streets, the pedestrian and the driver most often encounter marked crosswalks with no necessity to slow down or stop. The result of this relatively low incidence of actual exposure is that it tends to precondition both the pedestrian and the driver to a presumption of safe passage and they are ill-prepared to react when danger does occur.

 Does this mean marked crosswalks should not be installed?

 Not necessarily. The marked crosswalk is a useful traffic engineering device for channelizing pedestrians and helping pedestrians find their way across complex and confusing intersections. it will continue to be used until a better means is developed to show the preferred route to pedestrians when crossing the street.

 The answer, of course, is the understanding by pedestrians that as much caution needs to be used when using a marked crosswalk as those unmarked - which is the purpose of this brief discussion.

TRADEOFFS: ADVANTAGES vs. DISADVANTAGES

 The decision to install or not install a marked crosswalk should not be taken lightly. Rational warrants have been adopted in "Arizona's Crosswalk Policy" for their installation. Care should be taken that crosswalks are not installed where there is a question of their resulting in traffic casualties.

 In general, marked crosswalks have the following advantages and disadvantages:

A) Advantages

1. May help pedestrians orient themselves and find their way across complex intersections.
2. May help show pedestrians the shortest route across traffic.
3. May help show pedestrians the route with the least exposure to vehicular traffic and traffic conflicts.
4. May help position pedestrians where they can be seen best by oncoming traffic.
5. May help utilize the presence of luminaires to improve pedestrian nighttime safety.
6. May help channelize and limit pedestrian traffic to specific locations.
7. May aid in enforcing pedestrian crossing regulations.
8. May act, in a limited manner, as a warning device and reminder to drivers that this is a location where pedestrian conflicts can be expected.

B) Disadvantages

1. May cause pedestrians to have a false sense of security and to place themselves in a hazardous position with respect to vehicular traffic.
2. May cause the pedestrian to think that the driver can and will stop in all cases, even when it is impossible to do so.
3. May cause a greater number of rear-end and associated collisions due to pedestrians not waiting for gaps in traffic.
4. May cause an increase in fatal and serious injury accidents.
5. May cause a disrespect for all pedestrian regulations and traffic controls.

 Unjustified and poorly located marked crosswalks may cause an increased expense to the taxpayers for installation and maintenance costs which may not be justified in terms of improved public safety. Indeed, such crosswalks may tend to increase the hazard to pedestrians and drivers alike.

 In conclusion, it is appropriate to restate that marked crosswalks will continue to be a useful traffic control device. But, it is important that the general public recognize what marked crosswalks can and cannot do. It is also important that public officials not install them, unless the anticipated benefits clearly outweigh their associated risks.

CREDITS

  This document is based on a booklet called "Pedestrian Crosswalks - How Safe Are They?", published by U.S. Barricades & U.S. Traffic Sign.

 

Trucks have more accidents in highway work zones than other vehicles. Work zones can be very dangerous for all vehicles especially when traveling on the highway. It is important to be alert and prepared to slow down or stop in a work zone. Slowing down and allowing others to merge, will ensure a safe passage through work zones. Here are a few tips on work zone safety.

STAY ALERT- HIGHWAY WORK ZONES ARE UNSAFE Work zones are busy places where construction vehicles and workers are always moving. Stay alert and stay on the safe path that is designated throughout the work zone. Avoid work zones altogether by using alternate routes when possible. If you can't avoid work zones, allow for more time to travel, slow down, and consider sharing a ride with someone to reduce congestion.

TAKE YOUR CUES FROM TRUCKS Work zones often pop up suddenly. If you are not paying attention to the signs, you could find yourself in a serious accident. Trucks can be great indicators of trouble or slow downs ahead. Trucks have a height advantage and can see ahead of traffic. Paying attention to a truck's brake lights is a good signal of a slow down or work zone ahead. Truck drivers know the stopping limitations of their trucks, and pay close attention to traffic. Take your cues from trucks and you'll be prepared.

MERGE GENTLY Aggressive drivers can be extremely dangerous while driving in work zones. Work zones require time and courtesy. For a smooth passage through work zones, allow others to merge in front of you. Be especially considerate to trucks. They require more space to merge and are the least maneuverable vehicles on the road. Remember, trucks have large blind spots, making it difficult to see cars squeezing in close to the front and sides of their truck.

EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED!  Normal speed limits may be reduced, traffic lanes may be changed, and people may be working on or near the road.

SLOW DOWN!  Speeding is one of the major causes of work zone crashes.

DON'T TAILGATE!  KEEP A SAFE DISTANCE BETWEEN YOU AND THE CAR AHEAD OF YOU.  The most common crash in a highway work zone is the rear end collision, so leave two car lengths between you and the car in front of you.  So, don't tailgate.

KEEP A SAFE DISTANCE BETWEEN YOUR VEHICLE AND THE CONSTRUCTION WORKERS AND THEIR EQUIPMENT.

PAY ATTENTION TO THE SIGNS! The warning signs are there to help you and other drivers move safely through the work zone. Observe the posted signs until you see the one that says you've left the work zone.

OBEY ROAD CREW FLAGGERS!  The flagger knows what is best for moving traffic safely in the work zone.  A flagger has the same authority as a regulatory sign, so you can be cited for disobeying his or her directions.

STAY ALERT AND MINIMIZE DISTRACTIONS! Dedicate your full attention to the roadway and avoid changing radio stations or using cell phones while driving in a work zone.

KEEP UP WITH THE TRAFFIC FLOW  Motorists can help maintain traffic flow and posted speeds by merging as soon as possible.  Don't drive right up to the lane closure and then try barge in.

SCHEDULE ENOUGH TIME TO DRIVE SAFELY - CHECK RADIO, TV AND WEBSITES FOR TRAFFIC INFORMATION. (Expect delays and leave early so you can reach your destination on time. 

BE PATIENT AND STAY CALM  Work zones aren't there to personally inconvenience you.  Remember, the work zone crew members are working to improve the road and make your future drive better.