Pedestrian Safety Awareness
Improving pedestrian safety with reflective sheeting
November 17, 2020
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By Margaret Adams, Global Digital Communications Manager, Avery Dennison Reflective Solutions. Originally published October 26, 2020.
"It is our mission to make roads safer for pedestrians around the world. From our fluorescent sign sheeting to our pre-striped ADA barricade sheeting, our products help bring pedestrians home safely."
Like so many of you, I find myself taking more walks in my neighborhood this year. October in Chicago is beautiful, so I take every chance I get to walk to my neighborhood park, grab a cup of coffee, or walk along the lake path. On these walks I encounter a variety of safety markers that help alert motorists to be aware of pedestrians so that we can safely share these spaces.
Our roads are shared by motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians, so it's critical that safety measures are taken to keep this space as safe as possible. Unfortunately, deadly crashes involving pedestrians are on the rise in the US. In 2018, 6,283 pedestrians were killed in crashes; that's a 3.4% increase in pedestrian fatalities from 2017, with the majority of those crashes happening in the dark. Because of these startling statistics, the US Department of Transportation named October Pedestrian Safety Month to raise awareness around this safety issue. Everyone is a pedestrian.
It is our mission to make roads safer for pedestrians around the world. From our fluorescent sign sheeting to our pre-striped ADA barricade sheeting, our products help bring pedestrians home safely.
How Does Reflective Sheeting Improve Pedestrian Safety?
Fluorescent Crosswalk Signs
The most recognizable reflective solution for pedestrian safety is the crosswalk sign. Crosswalk signs are used at intersections and crosswalks where pedestrians may be present and near school zones where you would expect children. These signs alert motorists to watch for crossing pedestrians and give pedestrians a guide of where to safely cross the street. Fluorescent yellow or fluorescent yellow-green sheeting is chosen for its high visibility during dawn and dusk. Fluorescent sheeting makes a static sign more dynamic during all weather conditions and provides the best all-day conspicuity, using sunlight to enhance the sign.
Shop Pedestrian Signs →In-Street Crosswalk Signs
Gaining in popularity across the US, in-street crosswalk signs bring pedestrian awareness down to the roadway level. These signs can be permanently bolted to the road or set up with a temporary base. Their durable construction with flexible sheeting allows them to be hit while maintaining performance. To improve daytime visibility, in-street crosswalk signs typically use fluorescent yellow-green sheeting.
Shop Pedestrian Signs →ADA Pedestrian Barricades
To comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), cities must provide equal opportunity for individuals with disabilities and provide access to public facilities. When there is construction, especially in urban areas, pedestrian access may be blocked. ADA pedestrian barricades are designed to direct pedestrians through a safe route in the construction area by creating a temporary barricaded pathway. Reflective sheeting is applied to the traffic-facing side of the barricade to improve visibility of the pedestrian path.
Shop Construction Signs →In addition to using these reflective products, it's important that pedestrians and motorists take extra caution. Be aware of your surroundings and avoid distractions.
Make Your Crosswalks Safer
From fluorescent crosswalk signs to school zone signage, we make MUTCD-compliant pedestrian signs with high-visibility reflective sheeting.