Crosswalks in Pierce County, WA

Public Works & Utilities >> Traffic Division >> Crosswalks

All Intersections Have Marked or Unmarked Crosswalks

Washington state law says that crosswalks exist at all intersections except where prohibited by posted signs. At any crosswalk--marked or unmarked--drivers must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians.

Crosswalks are marked to encourage pedestrians to use a particular crossing.

Why Not Paint Crosswalks at Every Intersection?

The Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) states that 'crosswalk markings should not be used indiscriminately.'

The reason may surprise you.

Marked Crosswalks Are Not Any Safer Than Unmarked Crosswalks

Studies of driver and pedestrian behavior at both marked and unmarked crosswalks find that simply marking a crosswalk across a road does not make it safer for the pedestrian.

Years ago, the City of San Diego found that, although only 2.5 times as many people used marked crosswalks, the accident rate was 6 times higher than in unmarked crosswalks.

A pedestrian safety study in Long Beach, California reported 8 times as many accidents in marked crosswalks compared to unmarked crosswalks.

Such research suggests that a marked crosswalk can give a false sense of increased safety.

It is the pedestrian's responsibility to be cautious and alert while crossing at all crosswalks--both marked and unmarked.

When Does Pierce County Paint Crosswalks?

Crews putting down a marked crosswalk at the Steilacoom Ferry Landing.

We use marked crosswalks:

At all approved school crossings.
At all signalized intersections where crossings are allowed but one or more crossings have been prohibited by posted signs

This policy follows the philosophy of marking crosswalks to encourage proper use.

In the first case we are encouraging school children to use a crossing which is being monitored. In the second case we are encouraging all pedestrians to avoid a prohibited crossing.

Our goal is to use marked crosswalks only where necessary to direct pedestrians to the safest route.

Tips for Safer Crossing

Protect yourself and your family by doing these things:

Walk on the Sidewalk or Shoulder

Stay on the sidewalk or road shoulder. Avoid walking in traffic where there are no sidewalks, shoulders, or crosswalks. If you have to walk on a road that does not have sidewalks, walk facing traffic.

Cross at Intersections

Most people are hit by cars when they cross the road at places other than intersections.

Look left, right, and left for traffic

Stop at the curb or road edge and look left, right, and left again for traffic. Stopping at the curb signals drivers that you intend to cross. Cross at traffic signals and use marked crosswalks when available.

See and Be Seen

Drivers need to see you to avoid you.
Stay out of the driver's blind spot.
Make eye contact with drivers when crossing busy streets.
Wear bright colors or reflective clothing if you are walking near traffic at night.
Carry a flashlight when walking in the dark.
Do not let kids play near traffic or cross the street by themselves. Kids are small, and drivers may not see them if they run into the street.

Watch Your Kids

Children should not cross streets by themselves or be allowed to play or walk near traffic. Kids are small, unpredictable, and cannot judge vehicle distances and speeds.
When kids get older, teach them three things to do before they cross the street: 1) Try to cross at a corner with a traffic light. 2) Stop at the curb. 3) Look left, right, then left again to make sure no cars are coming.

--National Highway Traffic Safety Administration