January 8, 2020 – The Austin Transportation Department recently installed technology at downtown intersections designed to make crossing safer for pedestrians.
The technology, called leading pedestrian intervals (LPIs), gives pedestrians five to seven seconds to cross an intersection before drivers receive a green light. “Giving pedestrians a head start makes them more visible to drivers and reinforces a pedestrian’s right of way,” Austin Transportation Department Director Robert Spillar said. “LPIs provide enhanced safety for our most vulnerable neighbors who may be slower in crossing an intersection.”
Downtown represents less than 1 percent of Austin’s roads, yet represents more than 10 percent of accidents involving pedestrians and vehicles, according to Jen Duthie, Arterial Management Division manager. Installing LPIs reduce the number of pedestrians hit by vehicles by up to 60 percent, according to a Transportation Research Board study. Austin’s LPIs were installed within the area bordered by 15th Street, North Lamar Boulevard, West Cesar Chavez Street and Interstate 35. The technology is part of the city’s Vision Zero goal.
Vision Zero aims to reduce the city’s traffic-related fatalities and serious injuries to zero. The LPIs also are part of a plan to reach half of Austin residents commuting by a transportation mode other than driving alone.
