FLASHING SIGNAGE AT ROADWAY CROSSINGS GOAL

Improve pedestrian safety and reduce the number of crashes at designated crossings.

WHAT IS IT?

Implementing flashing signage or ground lights at crosswalks can improve the visibility and likelihood of motorists to stop for crossing pedestrians. These flashing lights can be installed in new or existing signage above or in the roadway. Embedded crosswalk flashers are located in the roadway on the pavements surface. By installing flashing lighting at crossings raises motorist awareness of potential pedestrians and reduces speeds near these points. These installed lighting can always be flashing, or they can be programmed to turn on when pedestrians push a button.

Potential Conflicts

Some issues that may arise to the use of flashing lighting at pedestrian crossings are that pedestrians will typically cross where it is most convenient for them even if a crosswalk is nearby, depending on visibility drivers may need advanced warning of the pedestrian crossing they are approaching to improve response times, and parking should be removed near pedestrian crossings to improve sight distances. Embedded crosswalk flashers, depending on their design, can be difficult to maintain during winter months. Flashing signage can be less affective if it is on constantly because some motorists may ignore the warning. Lighting that only is applied during certain times of the day or when activated may be more affective.

Cost

Low to medium cost depending on the range of implementation