Evaluation of Pedestrian Hybrid Beacons and Rapid Flashing Beacons

CHAPTER 1. INTRODUCTION

BACKGROUND

Two pedestrian treatments receiving national attention are the rectangular rapid-flashing beacon (RRFB) and the pedestrian hybrid beacon (PHB) (originally termed High-intensity Activated crossWalK (HAWK) when developed). These devices have noteworthy characteristics that produce improved vehicle stopping and yielding behavior to crossing pedestrians. Characteristics include brighter indications, unique beacon arrangements and flash patterns, and activation only when pedestrians are present. The PHB was added to the 2009 Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD).⁽¹⁾ The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) provided Interim Approval 11 (IA-11) for the optional use of the RRFB at uncontrolled pedestrian and school crosswalks on July 16, 2008.⁽⁴⁾

The Signals Technical Committee (STC) of the National Committee on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (NCUTCD) assists in developing language for chapter 4 of the MUTCD.⁽¹⁾ STC is interested in research and/or assistance in the development or refinement of material on these devices, especially the RRFB, which is being considered for the next edition of the MUTCD. This FHWA project included studies that can help with refining these devices.

STUDY OBJECTIVE

The objectives of the four studies performed under this FHWA project were refined during the course of the research. The revised objectives are based on proposed research plans that were modified using comments from FHWA and the project panel. Specific objectives are highlighted in the following subsections.

Impact of Rapid-Flashing Yellow Light-Emitting Diodes (LEDs) on Detecting Pedestrians in a Closed-Course Setting

The objectives of the closed-course study were as follows:

• Quantify the effect of traffic control device brightness on drivers' ability to detect pedestrians in and around a pedestrian crossing, which is a measure of disability glare.
  
  
• Quantify the effect different flashing beacon assembly characteristics have on drivers' ability to detect pedestrians in and around a pedestrian crossing, which is a measure of disability glare.
  
  
• Quantify drivers' perception of discomfort and relate it to their ability to detect pedestrians in and around a pedestrian crossing, which is a measure of discomfort glare.

Driver-Yielding Results for Beacons Placed Above or Below Crossing Sign in an Open-Road Setting

The objective of the open-road study was to identify motorist yielding rates for the different test conditions selected at the conclusion of the closed-course study. Specifically, the test conditions selected included placing the rectangular beacons above and below the sign.

Driver-Yielding Results for Three Rectangular Rapid-Flash Patterns in an Open-Road Setting

The objective of the flash pattern study was to determine if simpler flash patterns than the one that was tested prior to the issuance of IA-11 would be equally effective or more effective in encouraging driver yielding at crosswalks.⁽⁴⁾

PHB Study

The objective of the PHB study was to evaluate driver and pedestrian behaviors at PHB installations. This study was to provide insight into the actual behavior of motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians at locations with a PHB.

APPROACH

The research was conducted in a series of tasks as follows:

• Task 1—Hold Kickoff Meeting and Develop Work Plans: The research team met with FHWA staff to discuss the project direction, scope, and work plan.
  
  
• Task 2—Develop Research Plan for Each Countermeasure: The research team revised and expanded the work plans using comments from FHWA and the panel.
  
  
• Task 3—Collect and Analyze Data: The research team conducted the four studies.
  
  
• Task 4—Develop Draft Marketing, Communications, and Outreach Plan: The research team identified products that could be developed that would be useful to engineers, planners, and other practitioners who have an interest in implementing pedestrian and bicycle treatments.
  
  
• Task 5—Develop Technical Briefs and Conduct Final Briefing Meeting: The research team developed a TechBrief for each of the studies. A final briefing meeting was held at FHWA's Turner-Fairbank Highway Research Center in McLean, VA, in November 2015 that included FHWA, members of the research team, and the panel.
  
  
• Task 6—Develop Final Deliverables: The research team developed the final deliverables which included this comprehensive technical report that documents all aspects of the project's activities and findings.

REPORT ORGANIZATION

This report includes the following chapters:

• Chapter 1. Introduction: Presents general background information along with the research objectives.
  
  
• Chapter 2. Literature Review: Presents background and recent findings on RRFBs and a literature review of PHBs.
  
  
• Chapter 3. Impact of Rapid-Flashing Yellow LEDs on Detecting Pedestrians in a Closed-Course Setting: Describes the methodology and results from the closed-course study that examined LED brightness, position, and flash patterns.
  
  
• Chapter 4. Driver-Yielding Results for Beacons Placed Above or Below Crossing Sign in an Open-Road Setting: Describes the methodology and results from the open-road study that investigated the effects of the placement of yellow rapid-flashing beacons above or below the pedestrian crossing sign.
  
  
• Chapter 5. Driver-Yielding Results for Three Rectangular Rapid-Flash Patterns in an Open-Road Setting: Describes the methodology and results from the open-road study that examined different flash patterns for use with yellow rapid-flashing beacons.
  
  
• Chapter 6. PHB Study: Describes the methodology and results from the study that examined driver and pedestrian behavior at PHBs.
  
  
• Chapter 7. Summary/Conclusions, Discussion, and Future Research Needs: Provides a summary and the conclusions of the research and presents future research needs.