Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFB's)
State law requires motorists to yield to pedestrians when crossing at an intersection in a marked or unmarked crosswalk. Experience has shown that not all motorists obey the law. Signs and paint have little effect on motorist yielding behavior. Traffic signals are effective but are very expensive and only warranted at intersections with high motor vehicle and pedestrian usage.
The Federal Highway Administration has issued interim approval for the use of a new supplemental warning device called the Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon (RRFB). The RRFB is a rectangular shaped lightbar with two high intensity LED lightheads that flash in a wig-wag flickering pattern. The lights are installed below the pedestrian crosswalk sign (located on each side of the road near the crosswalk button) and are activated when a pedestrian pushes the crosswalk button. The lights flash for a set time while the pedestrian crosses the street. At all other times the lights are dark.
Experimentation with RRFBs in Florida has found very high percentage rates of compliance of motorists yielding to pedestrians in crosswalks. Studies have shown compliance rates of 80% and higher for RRFBs compared to 20% or lower for standard treatments.
The Federal Highway Administration has issued interim approval for the use of a new supplemental warning device called the Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon (RRFB). The RRFB is a rectangular shaped lightbar with two high intensity LED lightheads that flash in a wig-wag flickering pattern. The lights are installed below the pedestrian crosswalk sign (located on each side of the road near the crosswalk button) and are activated when a pedestrian pushes the crosswalk button. The lights flash for a set time while the pedestrian crosses the street. At all other times the lights are dark.
Experimentation with RRFBs in Florida has found very high percentage rates of compliance of motorists yielding to pedestrians in crosswalks. Studies have shown compliance rates of 80% and higher for RRFBs compared to 20% or lower for standard treatments.
