FENWICK ISLAND, De. - A unique safety effort is helping pedestrians stand out while crossing the street in Fenwick Island.
Drivers traveling through town may notice people carrying bright red flags at crosswalks. The flags are part of a pedestrian visibility program designed to make it easier for motorists to see people crossing.
The process is simple: pedestrians grab a red flag before entering the crosswalk, wave it while crossing the road, then return it to a container on the other side.
Fenwick Island Police Chief Michael Morrissey says the goal is to improve safety, but the program has also caught the attention of the Delaware Department of Transportation.
“DOT has a few concerns about mounting them on their equipment and their poles, and I've had some communication with them and they're reviewing it,” Morrissey said.
Despite those concerns, town officials say the program will continue through the end of the season as they work to keep pedestrians safer.
Young pedestrians say the flags provide an extra layer of protection by helping drivers notice them before they enter the roadway.
“People like cars can see you while you're crossing, just in case they don't see you,” said Rex Servary. “So they don't hit you or you get in danger. Or so you don't get hurt.”
Ten-year-old Hannah Koloski says visibility is especially important for shorter pedestrians.
“Especially for short people like me, because I'm ten,” Koloski said. “It’s really important because let’s say I was walking by myself because I do like to bike a lot of places or just walk places. And cars typically can’t see me.”
Another young pedestrian, River Foley, encouraged others to take advantage of the program.
“I would tell them, please use the flags,” Foley said. “Or else you might get run over.”
Town officials say they hope to keep the pedestrian flag program going next year as well.
