This guide examines whether marked crosswalks at uncontrolled intersections, those without a stop sign or traffic signal on the approaches, are safer than unmarked crosswalks under various traffic and roadway conditions. The guide also makes recommendations on providing safer pedestrian crossings in those locations. This research focusing on pedestrian safety at uncontrolled intersections and midblock crossing locations is part of a larger study for FHWA entitled "Evaluation of Pedestrian Facilities" that explores more types of facilities and crossing conditions.

The study used data from 1,000 marked crosswalks and 1,000 unmarked crosswalk comparison sites to conduct a cross-sectional evaluation with comparison group. Detailed data were available or collected for traffic volume, pedestrian volume, number of lanes crossed, median types, speed limit, and other variables. Poisson and negative binomial regression models were developed and used in the evaluation.