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Exploring the Impact of Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons in Rural and Small Communities

In a world increasingly concerned with road safety, Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFBs) have gained attention as a pivotal technology designed to protect pedestrians, cyclists and other vulnerable road users in uncontrolled marked crosswalks. Much of the existing research on RRFBs has been limited to urban environments, leaving a noticeable gap in our understanding of their effectiveness in rural and smaller communities. 

A recent comprehensive study by the University of Vermont in association with the Vermont Agency of Transportation, “Effectiveness of Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFBs) in Small and Rural Communities,” addresses this gap. The study not only affirms the effectiveness of RRFBs in rural settings but also provides key insights for best installation practices. These findings are integral to Availed Technologies’ approach to the design and manufacturing of RRFBs, further reinforcing why Availed is an industry leader.

A Deep Dive into the Study’s Findings

The University of Vermont’s research employed a rigorous methodological approach that included a controlled before-and-after study design and in-depth video analysis. The outcomes were promising: RRFBs led to an improvement in driver compliance and overall road safety in rural Vermont. There were noticeable improvements in driver yielding behavior and reductions in pedestrians crossing outside of designated crosswalks. Pedestrian wait times at crossings also decreased.

Additionally, the study points out that installations in Montpelier, which used different LED lights and are not considered RRFBs, showed less effectiveness compared to other locations. This only strengthens the case for RRFBs as an optimal choice for pedestrian safety solutions.

Furthermore, the study discovered that the effectiveness of RRFBs was consistent, not just in central locations but also in transitional zones between rural and urban areas. This all-encompassing effectiveness is crucial because it shows that RRFBs are not just a ‘one-size-fits-all’ urban solution but a versatile tool for smaller communities and lower pedestrian volume locations.

Design Features and Considerations

This study on RRFBs underscored the importance of thoughtful design features to enhance their effectiveness, especially in adherence to Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements. Features like tactile arrows and audio cues can help visually impaired individuals navigate crossings safely. Additionally, the study highlighted the need for flexible power options like solar, which is particularly useful in rural areas where electrical grid access may be limited.

The angle and intensity of the flashing lights were also identified as critical design factors. Lights need to be bright enough to attract drivers’ attention from a distance, but not so intense as to impair vision. This balance is especially crucial in varying weather conditions often encountered in rural settings. Moreover, RRFBs should be durable enough to withstand the gamut of environmental conditions, ensuring that maintenance needs are minimized.

Availed Technologies’ focus on advanced design features—including ADA-compliant push buttons, high capacity solar-powered systems, and robust field adjustable RRFB lightbars —makes us an industry leader. These features enable the RRFBs to function optimally in all conditions, ensuring the highest level of road safety for rural communities.

Factors Influencing RRFB Effectiveness

While the study provided an overwhelmingly positive outlook on the role of RRFBs in rural safety, it also illuminated how different factors could affect their effectiveness. These factors include the time of day, the day of the week, and even the type of road users, such as cyclists and runners. Such granular data is invaluable for planners and policymakers who aim to deploy RRFBs most effectively, further underscoring the vital role played by high-quality RRFBs like those manufactured by Availed Technologies.

This is critical because these factors are directly linked to road safety. In particular, the study found that the installation of RRFBs led to improvements in driver compliance ranging from 12% to 43%, showcasing the tangible benefits of these devices. Pedestrian wait times also improved, with reductions ranging from 0.8 to 2.6 seconds at two of the RRFB locations studied.

The Global Relevance of RRFBs

Although the study is rooted in the specific context of Vermont, its findings have broader implications. Rural and small communities across the nation and indeed, around the world, share similar characteristics. The issue of road safety is universal, and the research strongly indicates that RRFBs, when implemented correctly, can be an effective solution for a range of settings.

Making Roads Safer with Availed Technologies’ RRFBs

As the study results indicate, not all RRFBs are created equal. Availed Technologies distinguishes itself by offering RRFBs that not only meet but exceed compliance and safety standards. With our products, communities—be they large or small, urban or rural—can achieve remarkable improvements in pedestrian safety and driver compliance.

Availed’s RRFBs are not just built to meet the basic standards; they exceed them. Our attention to detail ensures maximum visibility and durability, two key factors that are even more crucial in rural settings where regular maintenance may be less frequent. In addition, Availed’s RRFBs are adaptable and can be installed in a variety of roadway conditions, a feature highlighted as beneficial in the study.

As we strive for safer roads for all, there’s no better partner than Availed Technologies to provide RRFB solutions. Grounded in scientific research and committed to quality and safety, Availed’s RRFBs are the best pedestrian safety solution for communities large and small. Your community deserves the best, and the best is Availed Technologies’ AV-400 RRFB.

 

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Crosswalk with two Availed RRFB poles on a sunny day. A castle-like house stands majestically in the background.

Specifying RRFBs – The Essentials

This article provides the essential Performance Requirements to include when specifying Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFBs).

Here at Availed Technologies, we work with municipalities and engineering firms across North America everyday who are in the process of specifying RRFBs. We focus on the following three points: Array to Load Ratio, Autonomy, and Shading.

Before we get into the performance requirements it should be noted that the operational requirements of an RRFB are important to specify and these are clearly defined in the MUTCD 11th Edition, Chapter 4L. One other point that is discussed at the end of this article is the option to use standard sign posts for RRFBs.

#1: RRFBs and Array to Load Ratio

The Array to Load Ratio is the power coming into the system divided by the power consumed by the system. It is the single most important metric to pay attention to when specifying Solar RRFBs. The ALR Ratio must be greater than 1:1, and a minimum of 1.2:1 is recommended. Regardless of the size of the solar panel or size of the battery, a system with an ALR of less than one means there is a power deficit and the system will run out of power eventually.

For Solar RRFBs, the ALR must be calculated using worst case conditions to ensure reliable year-round operation. This is typically in December when the solar energy available is at a minimum. The Solar insolation for a particular location is available through a comprehensive database from NREL that is based on historical information which accounts for prevailing weather conditions and latitude.

Factoring in the site-specific solar data, the daily power generated by the RRFB is determined by how the device converts the available solar energy into electrical energy that runs the system and is stored in the battery. This calculation is manufacturer-specific and varies significantly from one brand to another.

Power Consumed By RRFBs

The power consumed by the RRFB is also very manufacturer-specific and will vary even more from brand to brand than the power generation side of the equation. Power is consumed by the RRFB lightbars when they flash and also by the wireless connection between the systems which manages the activation of all systems at the crosswalk, so that when any one push button is pressed all the RRFBs start flashing immediately and stop flashing at the same time.

The wireless connection must always be ‘on’ and therefore this function is a significant portion of the power consumed. Advances in both LED and wireless technology have enabled dramatic improvements in power efficiency, the result of which is the ability to achieve a high ALR with a compact and lightweight system.

#2: RRFBs and Autonomy

The autonomy of an RRFB is defined as the number of days it can operate without any charging. It is a function of the daily power consumption and the battery capacity of the system. In an actual installation autonomy is hypothetical because the system will charge in the day even during cloudy conditions. Cold temperatures will decrease the battery capacity and this should be factored into an autonomy calculation.

Autonomy should never be the sole metric used in specifying a solar RRFB because it does not take into account the ‘power in’ of the system. Nevertheless, it is an important consideration as energy storage is essential for the system to function during nighttime and low light conditions. An autonomy of 5-10 days is recommended.

#3: RRFBs and Shading

Shading from trees and buildings is site specific and is often overlooked. At Availed Technologies, we can review the location with Google street view and we will incorporate this information when producing the solar performance report.

Key takeaways:

  • Always use ALR and Autonomy when specifying RRFBs
  • Use a solar performance report that factors in site specific shading to ensure system reliability
  • Never specify the solar panel size or battery capacity alone as these metrics do not factor in the power generation and power consumption of the system.

For further information on ALR, Autonomy, and RRFB efficiency see the article The Power of Solar RRFB Systems.

A final consideration when specifying RRFBs is the pole type. A positive benefit of an efficient system is that the product is compact and lightweight which makes it feasible to use standard sign posts. Using 2” Telespar square perforated tubing or standard 2” round sign posts will significantly reduce the installed cost of the system and will simplify the installation process. Standard sign posts can also be helpful for placement of RRFBs in locations where space is limited.

One feature worth mentioning regarding the Availed AV-400 RRFB is that it comes with a Universal mounting system that is compatible with all pole types, from the traditional 4 ½” diameter pedestal poles to 2” square and round posts, and everything in between.

Have any further questions about the essentials of RRFBs? Reach out to our team today!