FAIRHOPE, Ala. - If a local Girl Scout troop succeeds at Monday’s City Council meeting, Fairhope will be the first city in south Alabama to have pedestrian yield signs in some crosswalks.

Not enough people know that state law requires drivers to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks where there are no traffic signals, according to members of Girl Scouts of Southern Alabama Troop 8442.

The troop recently conducted an audit of pedestrian safety in Fairhope crosswalks. That audit and the troop’s meeting with local officials and police have resulted in a resolution the council is expected to consider at its Feb. 28 meeting.

Girl Scouts from the troop will urge the council that night to support the resolution.

“Our troop decided to take on this project because we wanted to see our town become safer for walkers,” said Jacqueline Davidson, 12, a cadette scout. “Right now you have to wait for 10 or 12 cars to pass before you can cross the intersection. We want adults and children to feel safe when they walk the streets of our town. We want to make a difference.”

The yield signs would be placed in crosswalks in such places as South Section Street between Fairhope and Morphy avenues where traffic is busy but there is no traffic signal, said troop leader Cori Yonge.

“What we’re seeking are these small yield signs in the center of the road like the city of Auburn has on a rubber base that bounce when they are hit,” Yonge said. “It basically tells cars that you have to yield if somebody is in the crosswalk where there is no traffic light.”

Yonge said the problem also exists where pedestrians cross on the green but drivers are turning right on a red light. She said state law also requires drivers to yield to pedestrians in that case as well.

“This is something we felt strongly about to keep citizens safer while crossing the street,” said Courtney Andrews, 12, cadette scout. “It’s good to know the city is interested in partnering with us to make the streets of Fairhope safer for pedestrians.”