At first glance, you may be asking yourself what exactly are RRFB (Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons)? Well, in their simplest form they are pedestrians crossing walk signs. Due to the increasing number of pedestrian fatalities, these signs or rather beacons were implemented at every busy intersection, college campus, school crossing, in case of traffic emergencies and so on.
Typically, these beacons are more than just yellow signs that can be activated by a push of a button. In fact, today’s beacons can be activated manually and/or by a detection system, they use LED arrays flash and indicators, wireless technology such as TimeSync-GPS and even solar-power technology all to ensure the safety of everyone on the street or at a crosswalk.
Benefits
Clearly, the benefits of having a RRFB (Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons) in place include higher percent of drivers yielding to pedestrians or the possible presence of pedestrians as well as a reduction in pedestrian fatalities. Additionally from a municipal standpoint, implementing these crosswalk beacons is cost effective as these devices are a lower cost alternative to standard traffic signals.
Moreover, these hybrid signals or standard signals with round beacons, if you will, also have been proven to be more effective than standard traffic signals in preventing pedestrian injury or death. Moreover, most RRFBs are equipped with what is known as an irregular flash pattern which helps draw both pedestrians’ and drivers’ attention.
Implementation
As previously mentioned, the best areas to implement these crosswalk beacons tends to be roadsides where there is a consistent and heavy amount of pedestrians. This essentially means schools, malls and areas with shops or restaurants. Typically, you find these beacons in these locations as well as on center islands or medians. Though placing these beacons roadside in heavy foot traffic areas has soon to be the best location for preventing deaths or injuries, beacons that are placed on center islands or medians tend to be directed at multi-lane roadways.
Learn More
Are you interested in a Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons for your business or intersection area or in additional features available for these crosswalk signs? Then speak with a knowledgeable expert wherever these crosswalks signs are manufactured as well as sold.
