Des Moines is giving people in crosswalks a signal to begin crossing the road before traffic going in the same direction gets a green light — a method used to improve pedestrian safety.
Why it matters: Leading pedestrian interval (LPI) technology helps pedestrians better establish their presence in a crosswalk before a vehicle turns, reducing pedestrian-vehicle crashes.
Catch up quick: The concept of providing an advanced walk signal lasting three to seven seconds dates back to the 1960s.
- LPIs have become a common safety measure in recent years, with safety guidelines adopted by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA).
Driving the news: DSM recently installed LPIs at 10 intersections in the city, with another planned for the intersection of Ninth Street and University Avenue in the coming months, city engineer Steve Naber tells Axios…