Voetgangerssignalen

Voetgangerssignalen, also known as pedestrian signals or crossings, are traffic control devices designed to enhance safety for pedestrians at intersections and other road crossings. These signals typically consist of illuminated figures or symbols that indicate when it is safe for pedestrians to cross the street and when they must wait.

The most common pedestrian signals feature two figures: a red standing person and a green walking person. The red standing figure universally signifies "Do Not Cross" or "Wait," indicating that pedestrians should refrain from entering the roadway. The green walking person signifies "Cross Now" or "Proceed," giving pedestrians permission to cross the street. Some signals may incorporate flashing red figures to indicate that the crossing time is about to end, and pedestrians should not start crossing.

In many countries, pedestrian signals are synchronized with vehicular traffic lights to ensure that pedestrians have a dedicated time to cross without conflicting with moving vehicles. This synchronization often includes a "pedestrian phase" where all vehicular traffic facing the intersection is stopped, allowing pedestrians to cross safely in all directions.

The design and functionality of pedestrian signals can vary by region. Some advanced systems may include audible signals for visually impaired pedestrians, countdown timers to indicate the remaining crossing time, or even push buttons that pedestrians must activate to request a crossing phase. The primary goal of all voetgangerssignalen is to reduce pedestrian-vehicle collisions and improve the overall accessibility and safety of public spaces.