Bennett, a frequent reader of this column, asked about the variety of crosswalks for pedestrians and the effectiveness of those very crosswalks. He wanted to know why only some of them are illuminated by a variety of flashing traffic signals. His question is well-timed, given the lack of consistency among the several municipalities within the region.
A flashing green traffic light is pedestrian-controlled. When the signal is activated by a pedestrian pushing the control button, it changes from a flashing green light to solid green, then solid amber and finally solid red. Drivers must wait for a flashing green light before resuming travel.
This computerized traffic-control system is relatively expensive, but very effective. It allows ample time for pedestrians to cross the road. The alternating high-intensity amber flashing lights are also effective in showing a pedestrian’s intention to cross the road. Drivers need only see that the pedestrian is clear of the travelled lane before proceeding, regardless of the light continuing to flash. One would think it is not safe for a driver to proceed until these lights had stopped flashing, but one would be legally wrong.
Let me state for the record, I do not like mid-block crosswalks. Drivers simply do not expect to encounter them. Most drivers are very conscious of block-by-block predictable and necessary stops. We are not always prepared for mid-block stops. For this reason, I believe every mid-block crosswalk should be lit up like Las Vegas. Sadly, they are not. I advise every driver to activate the four-way flashers when approaching such crossings. In fact, it is a good habit to do so when coming upon any surprise zebra crossing, where pedestrians must show intent to cross before vehicle drivers are obligated to stop for them.
Every sidewalk intersecting a road is a legal crosswalk, marked or unmarked. The natural intersecting path of a pedestrian across a driver’s path at the end of each block is a legal crosswalk, marked or unmarked.
Prior to contacting me, Bennett had already asked his mayor for an explanation of which crossings got lights and which did not. The mayor dutifully referred the request for information to the appropriate department. The reply was odd at best and convoluted at worst, but entertaining nonetheless. The official thanked Bennett for his request for lights at all pedestrian crossings and gave the following reply:
“There is a common misconception that flashing lights lead to a safer environment for pedestrians. The city has done significant research into studies on pedestrian-activated lights. Our conclusion from the research studied is that there are no proven safety benefits to these flashing lights. In fact, there is evidence that these flashing lights can lead to reduction in traffic safety. The lights can lead pedestrians to feel safer in the crosswalk [so that they] step out immediately after activating the lights before motorists have an opportunity to react. Motorists can also become trained to respond only to flashing lights, which can make other crosswalks less safe as a result. As motorists become accustomed to stopping when lights flash, there also becomes an issue with pedestrians who choose not to activate the lights, as there is no legal obligation for them to do so. It is for this reason the city has not widely adopted the installation of pedestrian-activated lights at marked crosswalks.”
The official asks Bennett for a specific crosswalk location and promises to look into and review the guidelines for lighting it up.
All I can say is the squeaky wheel gets the grease. Every core city business- or commercial-district pedestrian-activated and mid-block crosswalk should be lit up like Vegas.
Enough said?
Steve Wallace is the owner of Wallace Driving School on Vancouver Island. He is a former vice-president of the Driving Schools Association of the Americas, a registered B.C. teacher and a University of Manitoba graduate.