A median is an area between opposing lanes of traffic, excluding turn lanes. Medians in urban and suburban areas can either be open (pavement markings only) or they can be channelized (raised medians or islands) to separate various road users. Pedestrian crossing islands (or refuge areas)—also known as center islands, refuge islands, pedestrian islands, or median slow points—are raised islands placed on a street at intersections or midblock locations to separate crossing pedestrians from motor vehicles. There are several types of medians and pedestrian crossing islands, and if designed and applied appropriately, they improve the safety benefits to both pedestrians and vehicles in the following ways: They may reduce pedestrian crashes by 46 percent and motor vehicle crashes by up to 39 percent. They may decrease delays (by greater than 30 percent) for motorists. They allow pedestrians a safe place to stop at the mid-point of the roadway before crossing the remaining distance. They enhance the visibility of pedestrian crossings, particularly at unsignalized crossing points. They can reduce the speed of vehicles approaching pedestrian crossings. They can be used for access management for vehicles (allowing only right-in/right-out turning movements). They provide space for supplemental signage on multi-lane roadways.