For good or bad, Rochester has always been a stand-out city in the state of New York. From Kodak to Xerox to our countless festivals, we’re always in the news for some reason or another. And according to NPR, our roads are giving the government something to talk about.
In a recent publication by the National Public Radio, our street art has done more than just turn heads: it’s created safer road conditions for drivers and pedestrians alike. A recent installation has transformed the drab white lines of a crosswalk into three-dimensional piano keys.
Approximately 94% of survey respondents believe that art makes their workplace more welcoming and that 61% agree it also stimulates creativity. American artists appear in 40% of art collections worldwide and this creative piece showcases some quality Rochester-based art. Painted for the Rochester Jazz Festival outside Rochester’s Eastman School of Music, the new crosswalk has sparked intrigue and respect from NPR. They explain that drivers have slowed down and neighborhoods have become safer. It’s a reminder that these roads aren’t just for driving; these pieces of art show that a multitude of travelers use this space.
“Increasingly, urban designers and transportation planners say colorful crosswalks and engaging sidewalks lead to safer intersections, stronger neighborhoods and better public health,” the article notes. Since pedestrian deaths are at a 30-year high throughout the United States, unique interventions like this are becoming more necessary than ever.
Large trucks alone move more than 71% of the nation’s goods by weight. While these trucks are important for our economy — and our Amazon wishlists — they’re often difficult to stop, especially when speeding down local, unfamiliar roads. And considering that over one-third of U.S. roads are in poor condition, more safety measures for pedestrians and drivers alike are welcome. Particularly considering that the U.S. sees an average of over 5,891,000 car accidents each year.
But it’s local cars driven by Rochester natives that are causing the real problems. Following your regular route to and from work means that you’re not paying attention as carefully as you normally would, especially when all the roads look the same. Increased attention to road safety in work zones has also prompted New York State officials to unveil a new exhibit at the state fair regarding safe driving.
Thanks to Rochester’s intuitive crosswalk designs, local drivers are taking the time to slow down and take in their surroundings. This is especially prevalent in the Beechwood neighborhood where a colorful sun-inspired intersection has led to more people feeling safe. Because the average person walks more than 10,000 steps each day, intersection safety is vital to commuters.
But some projects like these have received some pushback. NPR also notes that federal agencies, like the Federal Highway Administration, can give pedestrians a false sense of security.
And there’s little information available regarding how these intersections will fare during the long, cold winter months here in Rochester. After all, snow and slush can obscure the beautiful designs. Worse yet, what seems like half a year of winter might wash these unique designs away. It’s primarily up to volunteers or local artists to ensure that these murals stay in shape for the benefit of Rochesterians everywhere.
But it isn’t just unique crosswalks that have made Rochester a stand-out in road safety: our an age-old policy regarding driving safety is also getting noticed.
“Driver review forms are one way that citizens can take pedestrian safety into their own hands. All a local citizen needs to do is fill out a driver review form if they’re concerned about another driver’s ability to operate a vehicle. While the DMV notes that this has been around for some time, it’s only now that someone has officially had their license revoked as a result.
After receiving a summons, 79-year-old Rosalie Zito had to perform a road test where she failed her three-point turn and drove too slowly in the village of Geneseo.
Now, Zito must rely on the help of friends, family, and public transportation to get around. While this can be a challenge to those who thrive on independence, more than 64% of people over the age of 65 will suffer from Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia. Without intervention like that seen by the driver review forms, accidents that could have been prevented may occur.
While these advanced conditions may not be diagnosable at your local urgent care clinic, it’s always best to ask your doctor if your health or medications could prevent you from driving safely. Distractions are one of the largest causes of on-road accidents and a medical condition can make the potential for an accident even greater.
In the meantime, Rochester is struggling to find the balance between federally-approved sidewalk art and gorgeous designs to improve pedestrian safety. As far as we know, it seems that the piano keys are here to play on.
