NYC Improves Safety At Intersections Through “Daylighting”

By Idy Perl

Drivers and pedestrians alike know that even crosswalks aren’t always foolproof solutions at busy intersections, and still pose a risk of pedestrians getting injured. In fact, 59% of pedestrian fatalities and 77% of pedestrian injuries occur at intersections. 

To improve visibility and the safety of pedestrians, NYC DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez and Deputy Mayor of Operations Meera Joshi announced the agency’s new street redesign plan called “daylighting” that will be rolled out at more than 300 intersections throughout NYC, especially near schools. Daylighting removes obstructions such as parked cars near crosswalks and adds speed bumps and rubbered turn calming, in addition to other safeguards, to force drivers to slow down and allows them to see the entire crosswalk from end to end. 

“As students return to classrooms, we want to remind everyone to be careful when crossing intersections. Daylighting enhances safety for pedestrians by reducing drivers’ blind spots and giving everyone a better view of the intersection,” Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez said. “This first wave of locations is only the beginning, and we look forward to improving visibility for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers alike at even more intersections across the city.”