With the recent launch of the Traffic Light feature, Waze has significantly improved driver awareness at intersections. However, a critical safety gap remains for unsignalized pedestrian crossings (such as those with warning beacons or RRFBs.

Previously, Waze included a "Pedestrian Crossing" category under Permanent Hazards, but its removal has left editors and drivers without a way to map these specific hazards. Currently, a driver will be alerted to a stop sign or to turn at a red light, but they receive no warning/surfacing for a mid-block crossing where a pedestrian might step into the road unexpectedly.

I am advocating for the reintroduction of the Pedestrian Crossing permanent hazard. This feature should fill the gap between a typical Traffic Signal and the road hazard. A dedicated pedestrian symbol to differentiate it from police or hazards. For use at mid-block crossings and crossings equipped with flashing yellow warning beacons (RRFBs) that do not qualify as "Traffic Lights."

Why it Matters
Safety & Vision Zero: Many cities are moving toward "Vision Zero" goals. Providing drivers with advance notice of pedestrian-heavy zones reduces sudden braking and improves yield rates.

Closing the Gap: A traffic light isn't the only place a driver needs to stop. Warning beacons and high-risk crossings are "permanent hazards" by definition.

Community Demand: This was a functional feature in earlier iterations of Waze. Its removal has forced editors to use contemplate and debate the use of other Permanent Hazards incorrectly just to get the point across—leading to map inaccuracy.

Let’s bring back the Pedestrian Crossing alert to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone on the road!