EVALUATION OF PEDESTRIAN HYBRID BEACON AND RAPID FLASHING BEACONS

RRFB and Driver Hazard Detection

To prevent RRFB devices from being set at brightness levels that produce disability or discomfort glare in drivers, the profession needs to quantify the effect of bright traffic control devices on a driver’s ability to detect pedestrians in and around the crosswalk.

This closed-course study was designed to examine drivers’ ability to detect pedestrians in and around crosswalks. Specifically, it examined the effect of traffic control device brightness and other characteristics on drivers’ ability to quickly and accurately identify the presence of a pedestrian and then discern the pedestrian’s direction of travel.

For flashing traffic control devices, there are two important and competing considerations in designing the brightness of traffic control devices:

Is the brightness high enough to command the driver’s attention and elicit the desired response (e.g., yielding to pedestrians)?
Is the brightness low enough that it does not impair a driver’s ability to see pedestrians because of disability or discomfort glare?

For a well-designed traffic control device, the answers to both questions need to be yes, yet the measure of brightness associated with these two questions may not be the same.

(FHWA Technical Report HRT-16-040)

VIEW THE REPORT (PDF)

The Effectiveness of RRFB

The RRFB is more effective than many other pedestrian treatments.

The dataset included sites with total crossing distances that ranged between 38 and 120 ft. A research study with an objective of developing guidelines for selecting appropriate pedestrian crossing treatments would help to improve uniformity across the country. The study would also need to identify the site conditions that should be considered (e.g., roadway volume, pedestrian volume, crossing distance, posted speed limit, typical pedestrian walking speed at the site, etc.).

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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