Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFBs)
Purpose
Increase driver yielding to pedestrians at uncontrolled crossings.
Description
Pedestrian-activated bright, irregularly flashing LEDs mounted with pedestrian crossing signs at uncontrolled crossings. Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFBs) make a crosswalk more visible to people driving and alert drivers that a person is trying to cross. They can be activated by pedestrians/bicyclists manually by a pushbutton or passively by a pedestrian/bicycle detection system. In Arlington County, an RRFB is typically accompanied by high-visibility crosswalk pavement markings, and yield markings/signage. Can be solar powered or hard-wired to the electricity grid.
Safety Benefits
- Increases driver yielding.
- Increases pedestrian/bicycle visibility.
- Reduces the risk of multiple-threat crashes at crossings on multi-lane roads.
View locations where this tool is installed in Arlington County
View the RRFB Prioritization Process(PDF, 87KB)
Street Types and Context
Applicable Street Types
Principal and Minor Arterial streets where there are two or more lanes in one direction.
Other Location Guidance
RRFBs are a treatment option at many types of unsignalized pedestrian crossings, including at standard pedestrian, school, or trail crossings.
- RRFBs are particularly effective at multi-lane crossings with operating speeds below 35 mph (85th percentile). Before and after data at five different Arlington RRFBs show about a 90% average increase in driver yielding behavior.
- Consider a Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon (PHB) for roadways with multiple lanes, higher traffic volumes, or higher speeds.
Primary User Groups
Key Implementation Considerations
- Vehicle speeds should be below 35 mph.
- RRFBs should generally not be used at YIELD or STOP sign intersections.
- RRFBs are never used at an existing traffic signal.
- If multiple RRFBs are needed in close proximity, consider redesigning the roadway to address systemic safety challenges.
- Other treatments may be more appropriate in locations with sight distance constraints.
Expected Crash Reduction
47% for vehicle-pedestrian crashes (Zegeer et al. 2017).
Cost
The cost to install RRFBs can increase if the crossing does not already have a marked crosswalk with curb ramps that meet Federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements. Costs to maintain signage and electronics devices must also be considered. RRFBs may be solar or electric (AC) powered, which can impact both cost and location selection.
Timeline
One to three years.
View the RRFB Project Workflow(PDF, 103KB)
References
