Stop Look Wave

[Jim]

I was in Williamstown, Mass., late last month for the first time in a while.  They've always been big on crosswalk safety with the Williams College campus spanning both sides of Route 2.  I noticed something I'd never seen anywhere before: the entrance to each crosswalk near the campus includes the words "Stop Look Wave" painted in red.  Here's the best I did with a picture, as I never had my camera with me when I was a pedestrian, just in the car on my way out of town, and I didn't get a good angle on it.

[SignGeek101]

The question is would that be more effective for the pedestrian? Would they read that over a sign that says the same thing.

[GaryV]

How many fingers are you using for your wave?

[noelbotevera]

How many fingers are you using for your wave?

A bucket.

It's an interesting idea, though what's the point in waving? Usually I just go if I have a chance to cross. Maybe if it was signed as a rule I would wave, but if it's not then I'll just go.

[Jim]

Of course the "wave" part is to encourage the pedestrians to make sure they know that the driver sees them and has acknowledged that they intend to stop before the pedestrian steps into the road.  This is an especially dangerous area with many pedestrians crossing and a pretty busy state highway running through.

[Max Rockatansky]

How many fingers are you using for your wave?

That's pretty much what popped into my head when I saw that sign.  On a more serious note though, as a pedestrian you probably shouldn't cross unless you make eye contact with a driver who is coming your way.  Most people only pay attention to the direction of car traffic and ignore everything else that might be on a cross walk

[roadman]

How many fingers are you using for your wave?

That obviously depends upon whether the approaching vehicle actually stops for the pedestrian or not.