Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFBs)
Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFBs)
Crosswalks are a key aspect of walkability and they are growing more common at mid-blocks, roundabouts and unsignalized intersections. Stats on traffic incidents show the need for an effective solution to ensure all multimodal users stay safe. Carmanah’s RRFB systems feature ultra-bright lights to maximize pedestrian safety.
6,283
The number of pedestrians killed every year in motor vehicle crashes.
74%
The percentage of pedestrian fatalities that occur at non-intersections.
17%
The percentage of people injured in traffic accidents that were pedestrians.
18-28%
The effectiveness of crosswalk paint alone at stopping drivers when a pedestrian is present.
96%
The RRFB driver yield rate, compared to 18% with painted crosswalk only.
Supplementing crosswalk signs with an RRFB has been proven to increase safety and yield rates. This rapid flashing beacon is an improvement on the traditional crosswalk warning light because it uses high-intensity LEDs, which are exceptionally noticeable for drivers both during the day and at night. Their amber color and quick flash pattern (wig-wag + simultaneous or WW+S) make them easily visible when headlight glare, wet roads, or other situations create difficult nighttime lighting conditions. Studies have shown that the RRFBs can improve driver yield rates up to 96% and reduce crashes by 47%.
RRFBs are MUTCD-compliant. The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) released Interim Approval 21 (IA-21) on March 20, 2018.
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Low yield rates at existing crosswalk. | RRFBs get drivers to yield 73-96% of the time. |
| Low-intensity beacons are hard to see, especially during the day. | RRFBs are directional, high-intensity lights that are visible at all hours (Class 1 in the Society of Automotive Engineers [SAE] Standard J595). |
| Drivers are used to existing beacons flashing on and off, so they no longer grab attention. | The rapid flash pattern of the RRFB attracts driver attention (pattern is WW+S, or wig-wag + simultaneous). |
How and where to use RRFBs
RRFBs are one of the best and easiest ways to increase walkability in a community without significant infrastructure changes. Explore our free RRFB Application Guide to design the layout of your RRFBs in multiple road scenarios and learn where they are best used.
Proving RRFBs work
A 2010 FHWA-sponsored study in St. Petersburg, Florida, examined several mid-block crosswalks using RRFBs. Here are the results from one of the crosswalks they tested:
- Yield rate before the installation: 8.6%
- Yield rate after the RRFB installation: 92%
The average driver yield rates from similar RRFB studies since generally fall between 82%–93%.
Based on typical prices for other crosswalk solutions, the RRFB is the most effective crosswalk solution, with the highest yield rate per dollar spent on the system.
Driver yield rates at a mid-block crosswalk
A community toolkit for creating safer pedestrian crossings
In support of citizens, local groups, and elected officials advocating for safer local roadways, we’ve compiled a step-by-step Crosswalk Safety Guide and toolkit. Adding or improving crosswalks is one of the most effective ways for cities to achieve safe, walkable streets. It’s our hope this guide makes the crucial work of pedestrian safety a little less confusing and a little easier to implement. Get the Crosswalk Community Toolkit.
Achieve Vision Zero goals
The Vision Zero initiative is a worldwide movement that encourages cities to pledge to eliminate death and serious injury from their roads. The RRFB is one element that transportation engineers, government officials, and safety advocates can consider to help them meet their city’s Vision Zero initiatives. RRFBs work to disrupt driver behavior and command attention, especially at high-risk locations or those with previous incidents.
Additional Resources for RRFBs
Article
An Overview of the Most Effective Crosswalk Treatments
Weighing your options for an unsignalized crossing? Here’s a roundup of your treatment options and how they compare.
>
Case Study
Nevada High School Boosts Safety with New RRFB Crosswalk
Learn how a Carmanah system in Reno is helping increase yield rates and improve safety for students, staff, and parents.
>
Guide
RRFB Application Guide
Download this visual guide for the most common RRFB placements and installations at marked, uncontrolled mid-block crosswalks.
>
Video
Building Crosswalks for Walkable Communities
See how cities across North America are using RRFBs to improve pedestrian safety and build complete streets for all road users.
>
Carmanah’s RRFB systems are 2.5x brighter
Carmanah systems feature:
- Efficient energy management that delivers highest performance lighting with the lowest power draw
- Compact, lightweight and prewired for easy installation
- Durable construction to ensure long-lasting operation
- Simple user interface for in-field setting adjustments
MUTCD compliant
Buy America compliant
5-year warranty
Carmanah’s crosswalk enhancements
Solar sizing
We size every solar RRFB to your site location. Taking into account environmental factors, we recommend a product that will be sustainable year-round.
Safety add-ons
Boost the RRFB’s safety effect with enhancements, such as pedestrian accessibility, overhead crosswalk lighting, passive detection and more.
Versatile configurations
RRFBs can be installed in a variety of applications, including roads with medians, one-way streets, advance flashers, overhead mast arms, roundabouts and others.
Remote connectivity
With StreetHub remote connectivity, you can monitor RRFBs from anywhere, plus collect data, manage alerts, and more—all without manual site visits.
Carmanah’s RRFB product portfolio
Let’s get started:
Build an RRFB or contact us
Looking for a fresh perspective on your next project? Give us a call or send us an email.
- Bids, quotes and connect with a local distributor
- Product solutions for complex roadways
- Comprehensive Solar Power Report for your project site
- Request CAD files or Purchase Specifications
