By Mike Leidemann
Advertiser Transportation Writer

Fluorescent pink traffic signs. Dancing "eyes" at crosswalks. Huge lettering on pavement.

Those are just a few of the things the federal government is suggesting to help older drivers and pedestrians feel safer as they make their way around town in coming years.

The suggestions are contained in the latest version of the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, the book that spells out details on how state and local officials should handle just about anything dealing with traffic safety.

The new manual, which was released last week, emphasizes a number of changes designed to increase the safety and mobility of older drivers, pedestrians, bicyclists and construction workers.

It's part of a continuing effort by the federal government to help protect the nation's elderly, who are among the most frequent victims of roadway accidents.

You might have noticed that after the last manual came out several years ago, a new, brighter yellow started being used on many new signs being put up around O'ahu.

That was one of the changes mandated by the book, which is designed to ensure that drivers and pedestrians from Newark to Nu'uanu see the same signs.

Now, the federal Transportation Department is taking the bright signs to a new level — fluorescent pink in cases where traffic crashes have occurred or lanes are closed.

Among the other recommendations:

• Extra-large print on road signs and pavement to help elderly drivers.
• Animated electronic eyes that mimic back-and-forth eye movements to serve as a reminder to look both ways before crossing a street.
• New pedestrian signs that focus the eyes of the driver on crosswalk activity.
• For people with disabilities, the manual suggests new barriers to assist in safe navigation of walkways or audible devices to communicate sign information to the visually impaired.
• More highway milepost signs to help drivers and others report and find sites of breakdowns, crashes and other highway incidents.
• New high-visibility clothing requirements for highway workers.

The new suggestions and requirements go into effect immediately, but can be implemented by local officials as new construction is done.

Reach Mike Leidemann at 525-5460 or mleidemann@honoluluadvertiser.com.