May help show pedestrians the route with the least exposure to traffic and potential accidents. May help position pedestrians where they can be seen best by oncoming traffic. May help utilize street lighting to improve pedestrian safety at night. May help direct and limit pedestrians to specific locations. Such crosswalks may also increase the potential hazard to both pedestrians and motorists.
Marked crosswalks can be a useful traffic control device.
However, it is important that they only be installed where the anticipated benefits clearly outweigh their associated risks.