Final answer:
A crosswalk or pedestrian crossing defines where pedestrians may cross the road. The implementation of a traffic signal can significantly enhance pedestrian safety by organizing crossing times. Pedestrians should also consider vehicle proximity and speed limits when deciding to cross to ensure safety.
Step-by-step explanation:
The area where pedestrians may cross the roadway is defined by a crosswalk or pedestrian crossing. Pedestrian safety is a significant concern since many people, including students, cross streets near campuses and are forced to navigate around moving vehicles. To enhance safety, a traffic signal can be implemented, allowing pedestrians to cross the road at designated times. The operation of traffic signals is typically based on the local traffic laws, and these signals coordinate the flow of pedestrian and vehicular traffic to minimize the risk of accidents.
For instance, when determining how far away a car should be before it is safe to cross, one should consider the speed limit and the time it would take to cross the road. In towns and cities with a typical speed limit of 60 km/h, a pedestrian should be able to cover a distance of at least 4 meters—the combined width of a car plus an additional safety margin—before the car reaches them. This can be thought of as approximately the distance of one car-length, considering an average car length of 3.5 meters.