Greetings, everyone, and welcome to Mighty Line Minute. Ever wonder what the white roadway triangles mean as you approach them while driving throughout Westlake, Ohio? If so, pay close attention on Hilliard, Clague and Bradley Roads. As you near pedestrian crosswalks—especially those without traffic signals—you’ll notice roadway markings known as shark’s teeth, a design that originated in the Netherlands.  Perhaps even better known are zebra crosswalks, the solid white parallel bars depicted on The Beatles’ Abbey Road album cover. 

In the UK, Europe, and across the U.S., advance yield markings are placed ahead of a vehicle’s approach to a pedestrian crosswalk. These markings serve as a warning for drivers to YIELD to pedestrians that may be entering the crosswalk.  Installed near pedestrian crossings and roundabouts, these give-way markings trace their design and origin to European—especially Dutch—road marking traditions.  Here are some interesting facts: 

The US Department of Transportation recommends a 1 to 1.5 ratio between the base dimension and the length of the triangle. 

In the U.S., the point of the triangle faces the oncoming driver.

However, in the UK, the point of the triangle faces the crosswalk or pedestrian. 

Today, advance yield marking triangles are becoming increasingly common, including on the approach to traffic circles.

With traditional crosswalks located at traffic lights, solid white stop bars may also be installed to further warn drivers. 

In summary, community engineers and public service departments are to be commended for the use and maintenance of these essential traffic and pedestrian markings.  As both vehicle and pedestrian traffic congestion grows and new drivers take to the road —stay educated.

So, remember to give-way and stop for all pedestrians approaching and entering crosswalks when behind the wheel.

Thanks for listening. We'll see you again soon —on the next edition—of Mighty Line Minute!