Understanding the Different Crosswalks in North Dakota

As we get out and about and start doing more walking this spring and summer, you might want to know what to do at the different crosswalks in North Dakota

You might not have ever really noticed this before, but did you know there are different types of crosswalks?

You might look at them and think it's just a style, and doesn't mean anything, but that's not the case at all.

Different Crosswalk Meanings

This information will be especially useful to drivers throughout North Dakota. People are going to be out walking more and more now that it's nice outside, so here's what you should know when you come to a crosswalk.

(Also Read: Are North Dakotans the Worst Drivers in the Country?)

Zebra Crosswalk

One crosswalk you will see in our state is the "Zebra Crosswalk". This type of crosswalk was made famous by the Beatles, when they used a photo of the band walking across the Abbey Road (London) crosswalk for an album cover.

According to ABC4.com, different styles of crosswalks tell drivers how they should interact with them. For example, when you see a zebra crosswalk, instructs drivers to wait until the pedestrian has completely crossed the crosswalk before driving on.

The source says these crosswalks are usually found in school zones or busier, high-traffic areas.

(Also Read: 6 Things North Dakota Drivers Do That Annoys People)

Parallel Open Crosswalk

Another type of crosswalk you've likely seen is the open crosswalk. The source says this crosswalk allows the driver to keep driving once the pedestrian is a safe distance away, even if they are still using the crosswalk.

Here's a parallel open crosswalk on 5th Ave NE in Mandan.

In other countries, and bigger cities you may see other types of crosswalks, but for the most part, these are the two you will see in North Dakota. Did you know there were different meanings behind them? Hopefully this info will help you get around in the future.