BEST PRACTICES FOR INSTALLATION OF RECTANGULAR RAPID FLASHING BEACONS WITH AND WITHOUT MEDIAN REFUGE ISLANDS

The Impact of Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon Implementation

Over the last decade, Oregon jurisdictions have systematically installed pedestrian crossing enhancements (PCEs) at crosswalks such as continental markings, median refuge islands, curb bulb-outs, pedestrian-activated flashing beacons, overhead signs, advanced stop bars, and, most recently, Rectangular Rapid Flash Beacons (RRFBs). RRFBs are proving to be a cost-effective way to improve driver yielding and, in turn, safety.

FHWA first granted interim approval for the optional use of rectangular rapid flashing beacons (RRFBs) as a warning beacon to supplement standard pedestrian signs at crosswalks at uncontrolled locations, including school crosswalks in 2008 (IA-11). RRFBs have been shown to improve driver yielding rates and, most recently, reduce the number of pedestrian-vehicle crashes.

RRFBs have been widely used in many jurisdictions, typically at mid-block locations. The design details of each crossing are unique but RRFBs are always accompanied by marked crosswalks and some locations also have raised medians or crossing islands at some locations. In December 2017, FHWA rescinded IA-11 due to patent issues. However, on March 20, 2018, FHWA issued Interim Approval for Optional Use of Pedestrian-Actuated Rectangular Rapid-Flashing Beacons (RRFBs) at Uncontrolled Marked Crosswalks (IA-21) that once again allowed the use of the RRFB beacons by request.

(PROJECT SPR 814)

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Yielding Rates and RRFBs

In recent studies, yielding rates were computed for both near-side and far-side crossings. Yielding was over 90% at all but one of the 23 near-side and one of the 23 far-side crossins locations. A total of seven locations exhibiting 100% yielding rates both on the near-side and far-side. The observed yielding rates in Oregon continue to reflect some of the highest reported in the literature. The high yielding rates observed provide additional evidence that the RRFB is a useful tool alerting drivers to the presence of pedestrians at crosswalks.

The high yielding rates, however, make answering the primary research question of the effect or need for the median-mounted beacons challenging: the data generally show that the presence of a median refuge island alone increases yielding. The data and analysis also generally indicate that the yielding rates increase with the addition of the median beacons. However, the difference is not a large increase (<5%) and was not statistically significant. Site-specific characteristics are also important as the lowest observed near-side yielding rate was at a site with RRFBs placed in the median refuge,

There are other reasons, primarily for pedestrian comfort and safety, to add a median refuge that should be considered. Median islands reduce pedestrian exposure while crossing and have been proven to reduce pedestrian crashes. They also reduce the complexity of crossing (by dividing the crossing into two-stages), provide space to install roadway lighting which also reduces pedestrian crashes, and can lower the delay incurred by pedestrians waiting for a gap in the traffic to cross which leads to fewer pedestrians engaging in risky behaviours.

Our mission at Availed Technologies is to produce solar flashing beacons and LED enhanced signs that are exceptionally reliable and effective.

With over 25 years combined experience in the Solar LED Industry we have the knowledge and skill set to design and deliver products that perform year after year. We understand that providing a best-in-class product demands the support of industry-leading partners, and we are very proud to be represented by some of the most trusted companies in the business.

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