Oak Park is installing 40 “Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons” (aka, “Pedestrian Activated Flashing Signals”), at a cost of $628,252. These are placed on busy streets where walkers cross without the benefit of traffic signals or stop signs. The pedestrian activates the signal, which is a rectangular structure that alternates between two flashing yellow lights. This alerts drivers to slow down and yield to pedestrians. The RRFS’s result in a 67 percent automobile “yield rate,” which is two percentage points better than marked crosswalks that do not have the flashing signals.
The deployment of these traffic safety devices makes theoretical sense, but are they effective? It may be wishful thinking. There are many computer simulations that show reductions in pedestrian accidents with the pedestrian activated blinking systems, but I could find no data based on real-world observations. I also found some studies that show an adverse effect on pedestrian safety. There is solid information on rear-end collisions associated with RRFPs — they are increased.
I cannot dismiss the negative findings. Given the rather low compliance rate with RRFBs, I have often wondered whether these signals might actually be a hazard to walkers, as unwitting pedestrians may erroneously rely on the signal at peril to their safety.
References:
James Whalen
Medical Beat blog
Oak Park
