Stepping onto a zebra crossing at night or during bad weather – when visibility is low – can put pedestrians at risk. 

A company in the Netherlands has developed and installed an illuminated crosswalk they say will tackle this road safety issue and reduce the number of pedestrian fatalities.

The Lighted Zebra Crossing – which is also the name of the company – uses low-life, low-power LED lighting to illuminate the white stripes on zebra crossings, making pedestrians more visible to motorists.

There are reportedly two versions of the crosswalk: one for brick paving, and one for asphalt. The latter can be affixed directly to the road’s surface. LED lighting is incorporated within the plates, which each measure 200 x 50cm, with two plates used for each zebra ‘stripe’.

There is also the option to embed sensors that can register data on the number of pedestrians and vehicles.

"The idea behind this lighted crosswalk was born from our mission that pedestrians should be able to safely cross roads," company Director Henk Peters says.

"Because of the poor visibility of pedestrians on traditional zebra crossings in darkness or bad weather situations, accidents take place daily, unfortunately, often with fatal consequences."

The company suggest the crossing could be particularly effective near schools, shopping centres and retirement homes. 

However, it's unclear whether the invention is necessary on roads where LED street lights are installed. LED street lights cast a direct, bright, white light, that has been shown to dramatically improve visibility.