On making intersections safe by 'daylighting'

d0ctrine

Dec 3

I came across this interesting article that introduced a somewhat new term to me - daylighting.

Abramson, B. (November 24, 2023) "How to Daylight Your City's Intersections (and Why It Matters)," Strong Towns, https://www.strongtowns.org/journal/2023/11/24/how-to-daylight-your-citys-intersections-and-why-it-matters [Last accessed: 12/3/2023]

From the article:

"Daylighting is the technical term for a common-sense solution to traffic safety: By removing visual obstructions in approaching intersections, users can better see and more safely cross each other's paths. "

There are certainly many intersections and even mid-block crossings in our cities and municipalities that could use 'daylighting' to improve safety. Many of these intersections and crossings are used by the most vulnerable road users like children, senior citizens and persons with disabilities. Interventions need not be expensive and may also involve the community. Examples are shown in the article, and these can easily be implemented formally or informally with the cooperation of stakeholders including the local government units and national agencies (i.e., DPWH) under whose jurisdiction many roads are.