INVESTIGATING IMPROVEMENTS TO PEDESTRIAN CROSSINGS WITH AN EMPHASIS ON THE RECTANGULAR RAPID-FLASHING BEACON

Previous Pedestrian Crossing RRFB Reports

Several methods have been used to emphasize the presence of a pedestrian crossing, including methods with beacons or embedded light-emitting diodes (LED). A device that has received national attention is the rectangular rapid-flashing beacon (RRFB). On July 16, 2008, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) provided interim approval (formally listed as IA-11) for the optional use of rectangular rapid-flashing beacons.

FHWA approved the use of this device at pedestrian and school crosswalks across uncontrolled approaches and defined it in IA-11, which they then replaced with IA-21. This is understood as the following: an RRFB shall consist of two rapidly and alternately flashing rectangular yellow indications having LED-array based pulsing light sources, and shall be designed, located, and operated in accordance with the detailed requirements specified” in the interim approval. RRFBs appear to be different from previously-used pedestrian crossing treatments, displaying noteworthy characteristics that seem to produce improved vehicle stopping and yielding behaviour to pedestrians.

The use of LEDs appears to provide greater brightness, which could improve recognition.

(FHWA Technical Report HRT-15- 043)

VIEW THE REPORT (PDF)

The Impact of RRFBs on Different Pedestrian Crossing Distances

The rapid-flashing beacon is more effective than many other pedestrian treatments; however, a Texas study found lower compliance for the RRFB for longer crossing distances.

The research team made observations at selected midblock pedestrian crossings with a range of traffic control treatments. Ten midblock pedestrian crossings in 5 States were observed, including sites in 8 different cities. These observations were intended as a source of ideas about how particular crossing types could potentially be evaluated later in the study. The crossings 190 observed were not selected as candidates for evaluation; indeed, many of the observed locations had already been treated in particular ways.

In conclusion, traffic volume and the shape of a yellow rapid-flashing beacon do not have an impact on whether a driver yields to a pedestrian. However, while the shape of a beacon does not influence driver yielding, a driver is more than three times as likely to yield when a beacon has been activated as when it has not been activated. Other variables that had an impact on driver yielding include beacon intensity (for nighttime) and cities.

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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