**The Emergence of Diagonal Crosswalks: Perspectives from Seoul**
At bustling junctions, getting to the opposite diagonal corner often entails long waits and crossings, forcing pedestrians to weave through vehicle traffic. Nevertheless, a more effective alternative known as a diagonal crosswalk—also referred to as a pedestrian scramble or Barnes dance—provides a different strategy. This layout halts vehicles from all directions, enabling pedestrians to cross straight across the intersection, including diagonally, without facing turning cars.
Seoul has adopted this pedestrian-focused method over the last ten years, establishing diagonal crosswalks at 217 locations from 2012 to 2023. A study of these junctions showed notable safety enhancements, with overall traffic accidents reduced by 18.4%. Cases where drivers did not yield to pedestrians fell by 50%, vehicle-pedestrian collisions decreased by 27.3%, and crossing-related incidents dropped by 25.8%. Furthermore, the average distance walked reduced by 5.6 meters.
The fundamental safety advantage of diagonal crosswalks is the removal of conflicts between pedestrians and turning vehicles. When vehicles and pedestrians progress at the same time, turning cars can create hazards by vying for the same spaces. By allotting pedestrians their own signal phase, these conflicts are diminished, as shown by a 35.3% decrease in right-turn collisions and a 44.8% drop in left-turn collisions.
However, this approach comes with its compromises. The all-red phase needed for pedestrian scrambles can extend wait times for both pedestrians and drivers, which might result in increased jaywalking. In San Francisco, research indicated a rise in pedestrians opting to abandon or rush their crossings, despite a decline in near-misses.
Diagonal crosswalks prove especially effective in densely populated zones with high levels of pedestrian and turning vehicle traffic. In Seoul, future plans for their installation target intersections with extensive pedestrian movement, ensuring that the advantages surpass the disadvantages. Conversely, applying this design at quieter intersections with lesser foot traffic might unnecessarily lengthen wait times without delivering significant safety enhancements.
Ultimately, the crux is to strategically position diagonal crosswalks at sites where their advantages can be maximized, as demonstrated by Seoul’s successful implementation in crowded urban settings. The 18.4% reduction in accidents highlights their potential in appropriately suited areas while ensuring thorough evaluation of local traffic patterns.