ATLANTA — Pedestrians are getting a head start in the city of Atlanta thanks to an inexpensive adjustment to more than 100 traffic signals.
Atlanta’s Vision Zero program aims to reduce traffic deaths to zero by the year 2040. Part of the plan is to tweak traffic signals so that pedestrians can safely cross busy Atlanta intersections.
Leading Pedestrian Interval signals are now operating at 175 intersections in Atlanta.
For Cole Smith, Atlanta DOT Vision Zero Manager, the mission of protecting pedestrians in Atlanta is personal.
Before he took over the program, it was led by his friend Kemberli Sargent, who was killed in 2022 by a driver who struck her in a crosswalk.
“I think a lot of the reason why we’re doing what we’re doing is to remind ourselves these are people, community members, friends,” said Smith.
Leading Pedestrian Interval signals give people on foot a three—to seven-second head start before cars travel into an intersection. They provide a few seconds for pedestrians to establish themselves in the crosswalk before drivers begin to move.
“Pedestrians in the crosswalk always have the right of way,” said Smith. “It gives them a few seconds head start to be more visible.”
City councilmember Amir Farokhi sponsored a recently approved resolution calling for LPI signals wherever possible in the city.
“It’s a matter of reprogramming, flipping a few switches, and the LPI is in place,” said Farokhi.
The death of Kemberli Sargent stands as a constant reminder of the risks pedestrians face every day.