Examples of Some Potential Solutions for Typical
School Walk Route Deficiencies

SOURCE: School Trip Safety Program Guidelines: Recommended Practices, ITE
cited in the National Highway Institute workbook:Pedestrian and Bicyclist Safety and Accommodation
Distributed courtesy of California’s Walk a Child to School Day Headquarters: 1-877-SafeRt

TYPICAL DEFICIENCIES 1. High traffic volumes at crossings 2. High pedestrian volumes at crossings 3. High vehicular speeds 4. Accidents 5. Extremely wide street which students must cross 6. Sight distance   7. Roadway pavement deterioration 8. Gaps in traffic 9. Inadequate pedestrian facilities 10. Child perception deficiencies 11. Children with disabilities 12. Driver violation of warning devices 13. Inadequate street lighting 14. Driver inattention accidents 15. Child violation of warning devices 16. Child inattention accidents

SOLUTIONS TO CONSIDER Interrupt or re-route traffic flow Widen marked crosswalk; install grade separation; provide crossing guards Install warning signs; enforce school zone speed limit Increase enforcement; provide public education; realign school boundaries; designate best walk routes Install median refuge; realign school boundaries; construct grade separation; bus students Add warning signs; reconstruct facilities; relocate crossings; remove obstructions Increase maintenance efforts; reconstruct roadway Interrupt traffic flow Install sidewalks or pathways; change designated route Provide public education and student training Provide special education; provide crossing guards or patrol; provide special transportation Increase enforcement; provide public education; review and modify placement or design of warning devices Install street lighting Add flashing lights on warning signs; install additional sign for medians; increase enforcement at problem locations Increase enforcement; provide student education; review and modify placement of warning devices Increase enforcement; provide student education