Okotoks, AB: Residents may notice something new at several school-area crosswalks around Okotoks. The Town is installing new in-street pedestrian signs at select locations to help make crosswalks more visible and provide an extra reminder for drivers to slow down, watch for people crossing and be prepared to stop.
“We’ve heard concerns from residents about safety around school crossings, and we understand how important it is for students and families to feel safe getting to and from school,” said Jeff Greene, community growth & identity director. “These signs are another tool we can use to increase visibility and encourage drivers to take a little extra care, particularly during busy arrival and dismissal times.”
The initiative is part of the Town’s annual work to assess intersections and identify opportunities for improvement. The work began with pedestrian crossing improvements at Big Rock School and was expanded to other school-area crosswalks where in-street signs were identified as a good fit. Installing the signs at several locations also helps create more consistency at school-area crossings throughout Okotoks.
Finding the right fit
Not every school-area crosswalk will receive an in-street sign. Each crossing and roadway is different, and the Town reviewed locations throughout the community to determine where the signs would work best.
The review considered factors such as roadway width, vehicle turning movements, where people typically cross and existing infrastructure. For example, signs were not added where a median was already located close to the crosswalk.
Crosswalks without in-street signs remain safe. The signs are one of several tools that can be used to improve pedestrian visibility and are not appropriate for every location.
Based on the review, the Town has identified the school-area locations where the signs are currently a good fit, and no additional locations are expected next year. Intersection assessments will continue annually to identify other opportunities for improvement.
Slow down and look out for one another
While the new signs provide another visual cue, drivers continue to play an important role in keeping school-area crossings safe. When approaching a school-area crosswalk:
- slow down and be prepared to stop;
- watch carefully for pedestrians;
- yield to people crossing or intending to cross; and
- take extra care during busy school arrival and dismissal times.
The signs will remain in place year-round and have been incorporated into the Town’s regular snow clearing and roadway maintenance.
Find more information on community safety at okotoks.ca/safe-roads