Question: I’ve noticed the pedestrian signals turn to “walk” from “don’t walk” before the traffic signal turns green.  Seems like a potentially dangerous situation, especially with people turning right on red after stopping.  I’m wondering if this has caused any accidents. 

Answer: Your answer comes from Joel Weber, Traffic Engineer Senior, with the city’s traffic engineering department:

“The pedestrian signals in the downtown area change to Walk two seconds before the traffic signal turns green.  All vehicle signals are red during that time.  Studies have shown that this increases pedestrian safety because they can get off the curb and into the crosswalk where they are more visible before the vehicular traffic gets a green light.  After the Walk indication, the Flashing Don’t Walk will last long enough for a pedestrian to finish crossing the street before the signal changes again for vehicles.” 

According to the Traffic Collision Facts report compiled by the Kentucky State Police statistics division, 94 citizens lost their lives and another 1,217 were injured in pedestrian collisions in Kentucky in 2006. Of that total, 4 fatal actions and 80 injuries occurred at intersections.

For 2007 in Fayette County, there were 118 pedestrian injuries and 3 deaths, according to the State Police statistics office.  For the state, there were 1,274 pedestrian collisions, 1,170 injuries, and 53 deaths in 2007.

Linda Niemi

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