Did you know? Speeding is one of the most prevalent factors contributing to traffic crashes. And, as you might suspect, the associated costs are staggering. According to the NHTSA, the annual economic cost to society of speed-related crashes is $40.4 billion. In 2012, speeding was a factor in 30 percent of all fatal crashes, costing 10,219 lives.
Despite public service announcements, speeds limit signs, and expensive traffic tickets from police officers, some people just refuse to slow down. It’s because of this, that the small fishing town of Ísafjörður, in Iceland, installed a new pedestrian crosswalk that is guaranteed to make people step on their brakes.
Bored Panda reports that the new crosswalk was painted to appear 3D. The cleverly-detailed optimal illusion is confusing to stand on, let alone drive toward — and that is the point. In addition to giving foot-travelers the feeling of walking on air, the crosswalk also demands the attention of drivers. Once spotted, they have no choice but to slow down and assess the floating “zebra stripes.”
Icelandic environmental commissioner Ralf Tryalla called for the innovative crosswalk after seeing a similar project being carried out in New Delhi, India. The town worked with the street painting company Vegmálun GÍH and voila! Tryalla’s vision was a reality.
Scroll down to see trippy photos of the installment taken by Ágúst G. Atlason of Gústi Productions:
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