It is a common sight for school pupils to be knocked down on crosswalks by over speeding drivers. This was what prompted a pair of fourth-grade pupils, Isa and Eric, of Brooks Elementary School in Medford, Massachusetts to design a 3-Dimensional crosswalk which forces drivers to slow down as they approach crosswalks in their neighborhood. The idea was sparked after Eric’s brother was almost knocked down by a speeding car.
The three-dimensional crosswalk creates an optical illusion in approaching drivers which makes the crosswalk appear like a bump. Thus, they are mandated to slow down and think about possible damages to their vehicle before proceeding with their journey. The 3D crosswalk appears as regular crosswalk painting to pedestrians walking across it.
The project which was aimed at making drivers “stop and think” was already underway for one year before being approved and supported by the Center for Citizenship and Social Responsibility (CSSR). Due to the success of the project, the government has vowed to create 3D crosswalks in three more elementary schools this summer. The original painting was done by Nate Swain, a local artist.
Reacting to the project’s success, Mike Coates, their teacher at CCSR believes the effect of the 3D crosswalk will certainly make drivers stop. He also added that it’s a beautiful idea which shows that sticking to an idea and being persistent at making it work will eventually pay off. He also applauded how determined these youngsters worked with the city’s government.
The concept of 3D crosswalk paintings is not new as countries including China, Canada and Islands have already implemented it in their cities.
