I am a pedestrian who does not drive, and I am appalled by the blatant disregard that motorists have shown towards pedestrians. It is my firm belief that pedestrian crosswalk warning lights should not be yellow, but red. No motor vehicle will stop for a yellow light, especially one that is flashing. In fact, drivers do the exact opposite - they speed up instead of slowing down or stopping at a yellow light! This is simply unacceptable and needs to change immediately.

The color of traffic lights has been standardized worldwide with red meaning stop, green meaning go and yellow indicating caution or prepare to stop (Source: International Association of Traffic and Safety Sciences). However, this standardization seems to be lost when it comes to pedestrian crosswalks where warning lights are often yellow. This sends mixed signals to drivers who are conditioned by regular traffic signals to treat yellow as an indication that they can still proceed.

In 2019 alone, an estimated 6,205 pedestrians were killed in traffic crashes in the United States (Source: Governors Highway Safety Association). This alarming statistic underscores the urgent need for more effective safety measures at pedestrian crosswalks.

By changing these warning lights from yellow to red we can send a clear message - STOP for pedestrians crossing. Let's prioritize safety over speed and ensure our roads are safe for everyone using them. Please sign this petition today; your support could save lives tomorrow.