What does it really take to protect pedestrians on our island roads?

The Department of Public Works said it's a comprehensive approach. One that, among other factors, focuses on educating both drivers and pedestrians about traffic laws and safe behaviors on the road.

KUAM reached out to DPW following a woman being hit by a car while crossing the street along Route 16 in Dededo on Monday.

DPW’s Office of Highway Safety shared these crucial tips to help keep us all safe:

Tip #1: Use crosswalks. Always cross at marked crosswalks and pay attention to pedestrian signals.
Tip #2: Stay alert. Avoid distractions like texting or wearing headphones while crossing.
Tip #3: Make eye contact. Always ensure drivers see you before stepping into the street.

Other tips they suggest include wearing reflective clothing at night or in low light conditions and walking safely. This could be done by using sidewalks whenever available. If none is present, the next best thing to do is walk on the road's side facing traffic.

While sidewalks and crosswalks are just some examples of pedestrian infrastructure that support safe and convenient walking, there are still improvements that need to be made on our roads like expanding sidewalks, installing well-lit and clearly marked crosswalks, and adding pedestrian refuge islands in high-traffic areas.

It's all part of DPW’s key initiatives to ensure the community's safety.

Meantime, the Office of Highway Safety is conducting outreach campaigns and collecting public feedback to pinpoint safety concerns.

DPW said this input will drive the development of future pedestrian safety programs.

For a full list of DPW’s initiatives, see below.

1. What could be done to further protect pedestrians on our streets?

Protecting pedestrians requires a comprehensive approach involving infrastructure improvements, education, enforcement, and public participation.

Key initiatives include:

Enhanced Infrastructure: Expanding sidewalks, installing well-lit and clearly marked crosswalks, and adding pedestrian refuge islands in high-traffic areas.
Traffic Calming Measures: Implementing speed bumps, raised crosswalks, roundabouts, and textured pavements to slow traffic. Features like pedestrian-activated flashing beacons, speed feedback signs, and landscaped median islands provide additional safety and visual cues for drivers.
Technology Upgrades: Installing pedestrian-activated signals, countdown timers, and audible crossing alerts to enhance accessibility and safety.
Public Participation and Engagement: The Office of Highway Safety (OHS) will solicit public input through surveys, forums, and workshops to identify pedestrian safety concerns and prioritize improvements in areas with the greatest need.
Education and Awareness Campaigns: Partnering with schools, businesses, and community groups to educate drivers and pedestrians on traffic laws, right-of-way practices, and safe behaviors.
Increased Enforcement: Strengthening penalties for speeding, distracted driving, and failure to yield to pedestrians.

2. Has DPW ever considered building footbridges for pedestrians in areas with high foot traffic?

The Department of Public Works (DPW), in partnership with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and OHS, has explored the potential benefits of footbridges in areas with significant pedestrian and vehicle traffic. However, these projects require careful consideration of several factors:

Community Input: Public feedback is essential to determine where footbridges would be most effective and widely used.
Cost and Funding: Footbridges involve significant construction and maintenance costs, requiring dedicated funding.
Accessibility: Designs must include ramps or elevators to accommodate individuals with disabilities.
Pedestrian Usage: Data and public input will guide the selection of locations, such as near schools, shopping centers, or busy intersections.

While footbridges remain an option, decisions will depend on community needs, funding, and overall feasibility.

3. What safety tips does DPW have for pedestrians? DPW and OHS prioritize pedestrian safety and recommend the following tips:

Use Crosswalks: Always cross at marked crosswalks and follow pedestrian signals.
Stay Alert: Avoid distractions like texting or using headphones while crossing streets.
Be Visible: Wear bright or reflective clothing, especially at night or in low-light conditions.
Make Eye Contact: Ensure drivers see you before stepping into the roadway.
Walk Safely: Use sidewalks whenever available. If none are present, walk on the side of the road facing traffic.
Be Cautious: Pay extra attention around intersections, driveways, and parked cars where visibility may be limited.

In addition, OHS is conducting outreach campaigns and gathering public feedback to identify and address specific safety concerns. These efforts will guide the development of future pedestrian safety programs and initiatives.