City Takes Action to Reduce Pedestrian Injuries with New Safety Measures

The last time you crossed a Yakima street at the crosswalk did you have to run to try and beat the flashing walking light? There's no need for that now.

YOU NOW HAVE MORE TIME TO WALK IN THE CROSSWALK

After a rash of pedestrian crashes this month in which people have been seriously injured city officials are doing everything they can to improve safety.
Yakima City officials recently completed a federally funded project to improve pedestrian safety at multiple intersections by installing new signal controllers and monitors.

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GETTING A HEAD START

The upgrades allow for the "implementation of what's called the Leading Pedestrian Interval," a signal timing feature that gives pedestrians a head start before vehicles receive a green light. That's good news for safety. The LPI works by keeping all traffic signals red for three to seven seconds after a pedestrian presses the crosswalk button.

MORE VISIBILITY FOR PEDESTRIANS

During this time, pedestrians can enter the crosswalk, increasing their visibility and reducing conflicts with turning vehicles. This adjustment enhances safety for all pedestrians, including those who move more slowly.

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LOTS OF UPGRADES ALL AROUND THE CITY

The upgraded intersections include key crosswalks such as W Lincoln Ave and N 5th Ave, S 5th Ave and W Walnut St, E MLK Jr Blvd and N 1st St, among others.
With the improvements, pedestrians now have a safer, clearer opportunity to cross streets and be seen by drivers. For more information about LPIs, visit Leading Pedestrian Interval | FHWA. To learn more about the city’s project, contact City Engineer Robert Washabaugh at 509-576-6601.