News Summary
Phoenix is confronting a significant rise in traffic fatalities, prompting demands for enhanced crosswalk safety measures. With 65% of fatal crashes involving vulnerable road users, community members are urging the city to implement stop bars and high-visibility crosswalks. Despite existing safety initiatives, a petition highlights the urgent need for comprehensive safety improvements at intersections. City officials are advocating for a structured plan to prioritize pedestrian safety amidst growing concerns in the community.
Phoenix Faces Urgent Call for Improved Crosswalk Safety Amid Rising Traffic Fatalities
Phoenix is grappling with an alarming increase in traffic fatalities, leading to an urgent demand for better crosswalk safety measures across the city. The issue is particularly acute as the installation of essential safety features, such as stop bars and high-visibility crosswalk markings, has lagged behind other Valley cities. Recent data indicates that 65% of fatal crashes in Phoenix involve vulnerable road users, including pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists.
Alarmingly High Traffic Fatalities
City surveys show that 40% of serious injuries and deaths occur at signalized intersections, underscoring the pressing need for safety improvements. A citizen petition has surfaced, driven by growing concerns over rising traffic accidents, urging the city to install stop bars and high-visibility crosswalk markings at approximately 1,200 signalized intersections and 100,000 stop signs throughout Phoenix. The estimated cost to implement these features across the entire city is over $33 million.
What Are Stop Bars and High-Visibility Crosswalks?
High-visibility crosswalk markings are characterized by their ladder-like stripes that run perpendicular to traffic, designed to enhance visibility for drivers. Stop bars, which are broad white lines indicating where vehicles must halt before entering a crosswalk, are also crucial for improving pedestrian safety. Despite the clear benefits these features could provide, city officials have expressed skepticism over their effectiveness, citing studies that suggest stop bars may not significantly influence accident rates or driver behavior.
Current Status and Previous Initiatives
Since 2020, Phoenix’s Street Transportation Department has been working to install high-visibility markings mid-block on arterial streets, achieving a coverage of 30% for these crossings. However, there remains a significant gap in safety measures at signalized intersections, an area where the city has not yet implemented high-visibility markings.
The costs associated with high-visibility crosswalks range from $3,000 to $6,000 each. Adding stop bars at signalized intersections costs approximately $28,000 per location, excluding any necessary surface repairs. These financial considerations, however, have not diminished the urgency expressed by community members and local officials who advocate for immediate action to enhance road safety.
City Response and Future Plans
In light of the rising safety concerns, city council members, including Kesha Hodge-Washington and Laura Pastor, are calling for a comprehensive approach to pedestrian safety. They emphasize the necessity of a collaborative effort between the Street Transportation Department and the Vision Zero Committee to prioritize the installation of safety features where they are most needed.
The Council is advocating for a structured five-year plan aimed at advancing pedestrian safety in Phoenix. This includes identifying funding sources and scheduling for the installation of additional high-visibility crosswalks and stop bars. There is a growing sentiment that pedestrian safety should take precedence over budgetary constraints, particularly as accident reports concerning pedestrians have reached alarming levels throughout the city.
A Call to Action
The rising number of traffic fatalities in Phoenix serves as a critical reminder of the shortcomings in current safety measures. As community members, officials, and advocacy groups rally together to address these challenges, the hope is that renewed efforts toward improving crosswalk safety will lead to a reduction in accidents and a safer environment for all road users.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Phoenix Collision Claims Life of 49-Year-Old Man
Authorities Seek Driver in Fatal Phoenix Crash
Tragedy in Phoenix: Man Struck by Vehicle, Fighting For His Life
Additional Resources
- The Foothills Focus
- AZ Family
- KTAR News
- ABC15 News
- AZ Family Video Report
- Wikipedia: Pedestrian Safety
- Google Search: Traffic Safety Measures
- Google Scholar: Pedestrian Crossing Safety
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Traffic Safety
- Google News: Phoenix Traffic Fatalities
Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
PHOENIX STAFF WRITER The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.
