Crosswalks have become a crucial part of everyday life for people in highly populated cities. As ordinary individuals, we can benefit from these crosswalks’ prevalence. The abundance of crosswalks has also contributed to the developing of many different urbanization technologies, such as traffic lights and street signs.
In the United States, crosswalks accidents are still extremely common, even though pedestrians have the right of way. Many legislatures have enacted different safety rules that can be followed by drivers and pedestrians alike when crossing in certain areas. However, none of those safety measures are foolproof. Crosswalks vary with different traffic patterns and locations. Though some are indisputably the most dangerous, others have the potential to be just as dangerous. Moreover, they can be found in various states and cities around the nation. Below is a list of the most dangerous crosswalks in America.
1. Lalor Street
This crosswalk is the most dangerous in New Bedford, Massachusetts, and is located in an area with a high level of pedestrian and vehicular traffic. This crosswalk is considered dangerous due to its intersection with Routes 195, 626, and several state highways. Since many vehicles are on each road at any given time, a pedestrian trying to cross it is highly susceptible to getting hit by traffic. The area also has many high-speed roads that can be dangerous when approached by pedestrians. The crosswalk features a four-way stop, which has had little impact on traffic as there are more than enough cars to make the intersection too congested for a stop. In addition, the area is also poorly lit, making it difficult for pedestrians to see approaching traffic.
2. Ralph Avenue and Argyle Street
This crosswalk is located in Bridgeport, Connecticut. It is dangerous due to the high level of motor vehicles and pedestrians crossing it in both directions simultaneously every day. The problem is accelerated by the fact that many of these pedestrians travel west and cross into an oncoming traffic lane or a road possibly occupied by other vehicles. Many have suggested that an additional stop sign be installed at Argyle to prevent traffic from entering the street, though action still needs to be taken. The area is one of the city’s most prominent and has a lot of foot traffic in the morning and late afternoon.
3. North Avenue
This crosswalk is located in Atlanta, Georgia, and it is hazardous due to the high traffic volume it sees. There are around 4,500 vehicles that pass through this area daily. Most of these cars are either heading north or south and use this intersection for east or west turns onto one of the nearby streets. The problem intensifies in the evening when cars are returning home and trying to turn onto their streets. While there is a four-way stop where the crosswalk is located, cross traffic tends to block it. One of the significant issues with this crosswalk is that there is a lack of sidewalks, making it difficult for pedestrians to cross.
4. South Canal Street
South Canal crosswalk is located in Buffalo, New York, and is the most dangerous in the area due to its intersection with many local roads and train lines. This intersection has been known to experience heavy traffic, which includes a high volume of trucks at any given time of day. This can make it dangerous for pedestrians and drivers crossing the intersection. The city has banned truck traffic at certain times of the day, which has impacted motorist speed and traffic volume.
5. Major Boulevard
Located in Tampa, Florida, this crosswalk has seen a lot of pedestrian traffic as there is an elementary school nearby. The crosswalk is located in an area with many low-income residents and is the main entryway for them since it is the closest one to their homes. There are also several schools nearby, and children often use this crosswalk to get home from them. However, despite the high volume of pedestrians that travel across here, safety precautions still need to be put in place to protect them. There is no crosswalk or traffic signal at this intersection.
6. Grand Avenue and Page Street
This crosswalk is located in the suburbs of Chicago, Illinois, and the area features a high volume of vehicular traffic. While lights are present to alert drivers and pedestrians, numerous accidents have been reported. The problem is aggravated by traffic in this area driving at speeds of 50 miles per hour or more, even though pedestrians tend to be younger. Most drivers have yet to be aware of the danger they pose to pedestrians and children with their high speeds.
7. Dowling Avenue and Montauk Highway
This crosswalk is located in Brookdale, New York, with a high traffic volume crossing through it. The spot is also in a densely populated area with high foot traffic. Many curb cuts and driveways make it difficult for drivers to stop or pull over to let pedestrians cross. This crosswalk can also be dangerous due to its intersection with LIE, the Long Island Expressway. The LIE has a large amount of traffic and is notorious for its high-speed limit and lack of lane markings.
8. Franklin Boulevard and Lincoln Street
This crosswalk is located in Buffalo, New York, where pedestrians are at high risk of getting hit by cars. The problem is exacerbated by motorists who run the four-way stops, especially at Franklin Boulevard. This can cause danger for pedestrians as cars often speed through the intersection without regard to anyone in their path. The crosswalk also has a lot of traffic, which can be dangerous for pedestrians and drivers.
Safety is a simple keyword that is heard every day, but it needs to be improved in many areas of the country. Traffic accidents are a major problem with cars and pedestrians being involved. Pedestrians have the right to walk on the streets in almost any part of a city without any eminent danger, but this is only sometimes the case as cars tend to travel at high speeds and cause significant risk for them. This calls for crosswalks to be put into place that gives pedestrians a safe area to cross the street where cars perform mechanical maneuvers. Many crosswalks have been built this way, but many still need to be constructed. By taking action and installing crosswalks, we can make our streets safer for pedestrians and drivers alike.