Nothing can diminish the pain of losing a single life in a pedestrian traffic accident. But there may be a way to keep that tragedy from being compounded needlessly.

The city has embarked on a pilot project to test in-pavement lighting for crosswalks that cut across streets between intersections. They are difficult to see at night, owing to the lack of any traffic stoplights, and can be a deathtrap for pedestrians.

The Department of Transportation Services has $220,000 to spend on two crosswalks: on North King Street near the Kalihi Post Office and fronting McCully Times Supermarket on South King Street. The pedestrian would be able to activate the lights imbedded in the pavement, using a button at the sidewalk. Additionally, there would be a beacon light suspended above the roadway.

According to the Federal Highways Administration, research over the past decade shows these improvements have immediate positive effects on pedestrian safety. After the installation of the lights, more drivers stopped or slowed down for pedestrians than before, according to studies, and speed near the illuminated crosswalk generally declined.

The city hopes to have the illuminated crosswalks installed by the end of the year, and officials say if they work well, the public should see more of them.

This is an encouraging development in a state that has a grave problem with pedestrian fatalities and injuries. It is part of a general raised consciousness about street and highway design with pedestrians and bikers, as well as drivers, in mind.

On the state level, Senate Bill 718, which directs the formation of a task force aimed at improving design standards, has passed and deserves the governor's signature.

Hawai'i has a long way to go before it can rest on its laurels as far as roadway safety is concerned, but these illuminated crosswalks represent bright spots, in more ways than one.