3-D Crosswalks Slow Traffic, For a While

Traffic officials around the world are testing 3-D crosswalks in hopes of slowing traffic, and having some success

1 minute read

November 14, 2017, 2:00 PM PST

By snewberg @JoeUrbanist


Geese

kallerna / Wikimedia Commons

In an effort to slow traffic, test crosswalks around the world are being painted in 3-D to appear to present a hazard. Illusory raised crosswalk bars, speed bumps, and even a girl chasing a ball, are among the images being created to slow drivers. 

Testing, both officially measured and informally observed, has indicated that these 3-D crosswalks have successfully slowed traffic. Officials worry that drivers slowing too abruptly would actually cause accidents, although none have been reported. 

Another worry among officials is the crosswalk tests are proving so popular that pedestrians are taking selfies in the crosswalks, although one could suppose that if this activity is safe, then the test is a success.

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