Des Moines city officials are moving to enhance pedestrian safety at six older crosswalks with updated technology, a response to a concerning rise in pedestrian-vehicle collisions. The initiative, approved by the City Council, comes as local authorities grapple with a pattern of drivers failing to yield to pedestrians, and pedestrians exhibiting increasingly risky behavior while crossing streets.
The plan, costing $500,000, will see the installation of “Pedestrian Hybrid Beacons” at select locations, including near schools like Goodrich Middle School and East High School. These beacons, featuring bright yellow and red lights alongside audio signals, are designed to be more conspicuous and effective at alerting drivers to the presence of pedestrians than the existing, outdated warning systems. City Engineer Steve Neighbors stated that a similar system implemented downtown on Clio Street has already demonstrated a significant reduction in crashes – from seven to two per year – and a complete elimination of injuries.
The move follows a recent enforcement project on , where Des Moines Police Department officers issued 28 citations, with 22 specifically for vehicles failing to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks near Drake University and on Ingersoll Avenue. This project, supported by the Iowa Governor’s Traffic Safety Bureau, underscores a growing concern within the city regarding pedestrian safety and driver compliance with traffic laws.
However, the issue appears to be multifaceted. Concerns have been raised by residents about pedestrian behavior, with some observing an increase in individuals crossing streets without looking for traffic, running out into crosswalks before the signal indicates it is safe, or being distracted by mobile phones. This has prompted calls for a more balanced approach to enforcement, with some arguing that pedestrians should also be held accountable for unsafe crossing practices.
Since , Des Moines has tragically recorded 12 pedestrian fatalities resulting from vehicle collisions, alongside numerous injuries. This grim statistic has fueled the city’s “Vision Zero” initiative, a comprehensive strategy aimed at eliminating all traffic fatalities and severe injuries. Through Vision Zero, the city has already invested in various safety measures, including HAWK crossings, curb bumpouts, and retroreflective backplates, alongside the new beacon technology.
The current focus on enforcement and infrastructure upgrades reflects a broader trend in urban planning towards prioritizing pedestrian safety. Many cities globally are re-evaluating street designs and traffic regulations to create more walkable and pedestrian-friendly environments. This often involves reducing speed limits in urban areas, implementing more visible crosswalks, and increasing penalties for drivers who endanger pedestrians.
The Des Moines Police Department plans to repeat the crosswalk safety enforcement project at various locations throughout the year. The department’s Public Information Officer, Paul Parizek, has emphasized the importance of adhering to traffic rules for both drivers and pedestrians. The city’s investment in new technology and increased enforcement efforts represent a significant step towards improving pedestrian safety, but the long-term success of these initiatives will depend on a collective commitment from all road users to prioritize safety and follow the rules of the road.
The debate over responsibility for crosswalk safety highlights a complex issue. While infrastructure improvements and enforcement are crucial, changing driver and pedestrian behavior is equally important. The city’s response, combining technological upgrades with targeted enforcement, aims to address both aspects of the problem. The effectiveness of this approach will be closely monitored, and may serve as a model for other cities facing similar challenges.
The implementation of the new Pedestrian Hybrid Beacons is expected to be completed by . City officials are hopeful that these beacons, coupled with ongoing enforcement efforts, will significantly reduce the number of pedestrian-vehicle collisions and create a safer environment for walkers and bikers in Des Moines.
