How does a pedestrian cross at Keesler? Published May 20, 2010 By Bryan Baily Safety office KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- Did you know there's such a thing as an unmarked crosswalk? We're used to seeing painted lines on the road surface designating a pedestrian crossing area. An unmarked crosswalk is just as the name implies --an unmarked area at an intersection where pedestrians can cross. They're at every intersection at Keesler. The same traffic rules apply to an unmarked crosswalk as to a marked. The pedestrian has the right of way while in the crosswalk but also has the responsibility to be vigilant of vehicle traffic before entering the traffic pattern. Traffic studies have shown there are no increases in occurrences of vehicle-to-pedestrian mishaps in an unmarked crosswalk versus a marked crosswalk. Pedestrians tend to be more cautious at unmarked crosswalks and are less likely to dart out into vehicle paths. Marked crosswalks tend to give pedestrians a false sense of security and they assume drivers will be more aware of their presence due to the lines on the road surface. Allowing a pedestrian to cross while waiting at a stop sign is the right thing to do. Pedestrians and vehicle operators must pay close attention in the traffic environment. Both share responsibility to ensure neither place the safety of the other in danger at crosswalks, marked or unmarked. For questions about crosswalks or any other traffic safety issues, call the 81st Training Wing Safety Office, 377-2007.