Crosswalks

A marked crosswalk on the street does not necessarily make it safe for pedestrians to cross there.  As some studies show, there are more pedestrian traffic accidents where there are marked crosswalks than where there are none.  One possible reason for this is that pedestrians feel safe in a marked crosswalk and are less cautious.  Since two painted lines do not protect the pedestrian against oncoming vehicles, the pedestrian must be alert and cautious while crossing any street.  Motorists are required by law to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians, whether or not the crosswalk is marked, but pedestrians are ultimately responsible for their own safety.  A pedestrian can stop in less than 3 feet, but a vehicle traveling 25 mph takes 60 feet to stop.

Wisconsin Statutes state that a crosswalk is an extension of the sidewalk at an intersection except for intersections prohibiting pedestrian crossing.  Crosswalk markings, used in some residential areas, encourage pedestrians to use a specific crossing.  They also remind motorists to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians, but they do not guarantee a safer crosswalk.

In order to ensure maximum safety, motorists and pedestrians must be cautious, alert, and courteous at all times.