Pedestrian Hazard Radar

How to Identify Pedestrian Hazards in Your Area

This guide helps you look closely at your neighborhood and spot things that could make walking unsafe. Anyone can use it—whether you’re a concerned resident, a parent, or a student walking to school. You don’t need special training. Just use your eyes, your experience, and this guide.

Your observation helps create safer streets for everyone.

This version focuses on hazards that can be realistically fixed or improved and does not include issues that would require major capital projects or large budgets to address.

A proactive approach can help remove the hazard before a tragedy occurs. Don’t wait for a crash or injury to happen. If you notice a hazard that seems unsafe—especially one that could be fixed quickly, like poor lighting, a blocked crosswalk, or a broken sign—report it today.  Even small changes can prevent serious injuries.

Tips for Everyone

  1. Lighting and Visibility
    • Are streetlights working at intersections and crossings?  
    • Are trees or signs blocking light fixtures or driver sightlines?  
    • Can drivers clearly see people walking at night or in bad weather?
  2. Signs, Markings, and Signals  
    • Are crosswalk lines faded or missing at key crossings?  
    • Are traffic or pedestrian signs missing, damaged, or blocked?  
    • Do pedestrian signals allow enough time to cross?
  3. Driver Behavior and Speed Control
    • Are cars regularly speeding in residential or mixed-use areas?  
    • Does the typical driving speed seem appropriate for this particular street?  
    • speed bumps, stop signs, or radar signs missing where they might help?  
    • Do drivers frequently fail to stop at stop signs or red lights?  
    • Do drivers frequently use phones or seem distracted when passing through crosswalks?
  4. Obstructions and Maintenance  
    • Are sidewalks blocked by parked vehicles, trash bins, or low-hanging branches?  
    • Do pedestrians on the sidewalks have to step into the street or a driveway at any point to continue walking?  
  5. Unsafe Pedestrian Behavior  
    • Do people frequently cross mid-block instead of using crosswalks?  
    • Are pedestrians walking in the street where sidewalks exist?  
    • Are people walking while looking at their phones or wearing headphones?  
    • Are faster users (like cyclists or scooters) passing unsafely near people walking?  

Tips for Parents

  1. School Zones and Pick-Up Areas 
    • Are flashing school zone signs working properly?  
    • Are crossing guards consistently present at school start/end times?  
    • Are pick-up and drop-off areas supervised and organized to avoid confusion or risk?  
    • Are children darting into the street between parked cars?  
  2. Sightlines and Obstructions
    • Are there areas where parked cars, dumpsters, or fences block views at crossings?
    • Can drivers and children see each other clearly where kids need to cross?  
  3. Conditions Around Playgrounds and Parks  
    • Are there proper signs and speed controls near child activity areas?
    • Is equipment (like lighting or fencing) in good repair to protect pedestrian access?
  4. Shared Areas with Cyclists or Cars  
    • Are children walking in areas shared with bikes or vehicles (like driveways or parking lots)? 
    • Are clear paths or barriers present to keep walking routes separate from fast-moving users?  

Tips for Kids Walking To and From School

  1. Unsafe Crossing Behavior and Conditions
    • Are students running across the street or crossing between parked cars?  
    • Are cars failing to stop for students in crosswalks?  
    • Are students crossing where there is no crosswalk or signal?  
    • Are crossing areas near schools crowded or disorganized?
  2. Obstructed or Blocked Walking Paths 
    • Are sidewalks used by students blocked by trash, vegetation, or parked objects?  
    • Are students walking in the roadway due to blocked or missing sidewalks?  
  3. Low Visibility During Bad Weather or Darkness  
    • Are streetlights missing or broken along student walking routes?
    • Are students walking in poorly lit areas during early morning or evening hours?  
  4. Lack of Safe Support Nearby 
    • Are there areas with no visible crossing guards or trusted adults during school commute times?
    •  Are safe places (stores, staffed buildings) too far apart for kids walking alone?  
  5. Distractions While Walking  
    • Are students walking while looking at phones or using earbuds near traffic?  
    • Are they distracted while crossing streets?  
  6. Conflicts on Shared Paths  
    • Are students walking in the same space as fast-moving bikes or scooters?  
    • Are there no signs or markings to separate walkers from riders?