01517546

Component

Several questions are being asked with respect to the rectangular rapid flashing beacon, a device that has interim approval for the optional use at pedestrian and school crosswalks across uncontrolled approaches. To investigate the influence of yellow beacon characteristics on drivers, FHWA sponsored a study to determine if the shape, size, and placement of flashing beacon/LEDs affect motorist yielding. While the legibility distance to the symbol on the signs was not the focus of the initial study, insights gained from the closed-course study indicate that beacon characteristics may affect driver’s ability to read the sign. The rectangular rapid flashing beacon when located below the sign affected the legibility distance to the Pedestrian Crossing sign during nighttime conditions. One possible implication of this finding could be to question the use of beacons in some situations since it affects the ability of a driver to read a sign. Additional research is needed to confirm and expand upon this finding and to better understand what beacon characteristics are limiting the ability to read the sign. Research is also needed to have a better understanding of which beacon characteristics affect driver’s ability to read a sign or identify objects (e.g., pedestrians) beyond the sign. Certain beacon characteristics, such as brightness or flash pattern, may need to be limited if drivers need to read word messages as compared to symbols.

This paper was sponsored by TRB committee AHB50 Traffic Control Devices.

01503729

14-1445

English

18p

2014

Transportation Research Board 93rd Annual Meeting

Digital/other

Figures; References; Tables

Distance; Flashing beacons; Legibility; Measures of effectiveness; Night visibility

Highways; Operations and Traffic Management; Safety and Human Factors; I72: Traffic and Transport Planning; I85: Safety Devices used in Transport Infrastructure

Transportation Research Board Annual Meeting 2014 Paper #14-1445

TRIS, TRB, ATRI

Jan 27 2014 2:32PM