RRFBS: A PROVEN TRAFFIC CONTROL COUNTERMEASURE

Why? Because they’re simply the best at what they do: Improve driver yielding rates and safety at uncontrolled marked crosswalks.

To both bolster pedestrian visibility and increase driver compliance, RRFBs can be installed along with the following MUTCD warning signs: W11-2 (Pedestrian), S1-1 (School), or W11-15 (Trail) crossing warning sign with a diagonal downward arrow (W16-7P) plaque. Canadian signs that the RRFB can be used with include RA-4 (Pedestrian), RA-3 (School Crosswalk), Pedestrian Crosswalk Ahead Sign (WC-2), and School Crosswalk Ahead Sign (WC-16).

RRFBs consist of two, rectangular- shaped yellow indications, each outfitted with an LED light source. These light sources flash with enhanced frequency when activated in order to alert drivers in advance, yielding overall safer driving.

How to Correctly Implement an RRFB

MUTCD 11th Edition, Chapter 4L provides very clear guidance on allowable uses and sign beacon assembly locations.

Allowable Uses

An RRFB shall only be installed to function as a pedestrian-actuated conspicuity enhancement.
An RRFB shall only be used to supplement a post-mounted W11-2 (Pedestrian), S1-1 (School), or W11-15 (Trail) crossing warning sign with a diagonal downward arrow (W16-7P) plaque, or an overhead-mounted W11-2, S1-1, or W11-15 crossing warning sign, located at or immediately adjacent to an uncontrolled marked crosswalk.
Except for crosswalks across the approach to or egress from a roundabout, an RRFB shall not be used for crosswalks across approaches controlled by YIELD signs, STOP signs, traffic control signals, or pedestrian hybrid beacons.
In the event sight distance approaching the crosswalk at which RRFBs are used is less than deemed necessary by the engineer, an additional RRFB may be installed on that approach in advance of the crosswalk, as a pedestrian-actuated conspicuity enhancement to supplement a W11-2 (Pedestrian), S1-1 (School), or W11-15 (Trail) crossing warning sign with an AHEAD (W16-9P) or distance (W16-2P or W16-2aP) plaque. If an additional RRFB is installed on the approach in advance of the crosswalk, it shall be supplemental to and not a replacement for the RRFBs at the crosswalk itself.

Sign/Beacon Assembly Locations

For any approach on which RRFBs are used to supplement post-mounted signs, at least two W11-2, S1-1, or W11-15 crossing warning signs (each with an RRFB unit and a W16-7P plaque) shall be installed at the crosswalk, one on the right-hand side of the roadway and one on the left-hand side of the roadway. On a divided highway, the left-hand side assembly should be installed on the median, if practical, rather than on the far left-hand side of the highway.
An RRFB unit shall not be installed independent of the crossing warning signs for the approach that the RRFB faces. If the RRFB unit is supplementing a post-mounted sign, the RRFB unit shall be installed on the same support as the associated W11-2, S1-1, or W11-15 crossing warning sign and plaque. If the RRFB unit is supplementing an overhead-mounted sign, the RRFB unit shall be mounted directly below the bottom of the sign.

Looking to learn more about the effectiveness of RRFBs? Read more on how they are a proven traffic control countermeasure.

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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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