They are virtually invisible by an approaching motorist when not activated. When a pedestrian activates the devices, either manually or by automatic detection, they are aimed towards the approaching motorist, the flashing amber lights capture the motorist’s attention, greatly improving the chances for a safe crossing for the pedestrian. Once the pedestrian has crossed, the devices visually disappear into the street upon a timed deactivation.

The first independent formal evaluation of IRWL systems was completed in 1995 by a transportation consulting firm. They concluded that in fact motorists became more aware of pedestrians and gave them the right of way as a result.

To date, there have been over 30 independent studies conducted in many different locations throughout the country. Every single study reaches the same conclusion – these systems lead to a significant reduction of conflict between motorist and pedestrian resulting in safer crossings.

After many years of nationwide testing and National Committee review, the adoption of In-Road Way Warning Lights as a standard traffic control measure was incorporated into the Federal Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, Section 4L. This manual is considered the “Bible” for traffic engineers around the country. To date there are nearly 2,000 of these IRWL crosswalk systems installed in cities around the country in every type of climate.

There are citizen groups such as Citizens for Moraga Safety (www.moragasafety.org.)who are very active in their city to promote safer crosswalks.

You can actually get away with that down in Waikiki. In fact, if you don’t know your way around down there, driving can actually be much more of an adventure than just walking.

When my mum and dad were in Hawaii they didn’t drive. My mum drove from the airport to the hotel and that was more than enough. They didn’t drive the car again until they went back to the airport for going home.

April - Of Scotland’s last blog post..Cold Mist over Loch Drunkie

I agree with you, it is pretty much a nationwide problem. I just notice it more since I’ve been here. I remember when I lived in England as a teenager, I used to walk everywhere without much problem. Not sure if that has to do with being in a different country, or being 20 years go … probably a bit of both. Not all countries are the same though. lol, Korea is scary to walk or drive.

Talk to you again soon,
Todd

The problem of not respecting pedestrians, I think, has turned into a nationwide problem. Your description fits what happened to me several times in the city of Phoenix. For a while, I thought that only the residents there were careless. I soon discovered, on trips to Los Angeles, San Diego, Las Vegas and other places I don’t care to remember, that there were anal orifices in each place that behaved the same way.

Slowing down is not in their vocabulary. Luckily, though unintentionally, I live in a place now where it isn’t a problem.