Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon (RRFB)
Increase visibility and reduce pedestrian crashes at crosswalks up to 47% with trusted, FHWA-endorsed technology.Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon (RRFB)
Safe and frequent crossings are a key feature of walkable, livable communities—and not just at signalized intersections. Midblock crosswalks, as well as marked crosswalks at roundabouts and other unsignalized locations, can provide numerous safety benefits to pedestrians.
The best way to optimize visibility and safety at these crossings is with Carmanah’s MX Series rectangular rapid flashing beacon (RRFB) – R920-MX
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 vehicle crashes that were travelling on foot.
18-28%
The effectiveness of crosswalk paint alone at stopping drivers when a pedestrian is present.
96%
The RRFB driver yield rate, according to the FHWA.
RRFBs are a widely-used and highly effective treatment. Their amber color and erratic flash pattern are proven to capture drivers’ attention, increasing yield rates by up to 98% and reducing crashes up to 47%, according to the FHWA. They meet MUTCD Standards and are a Proven Safety Countermeasure promoted by the Safe Transportation for Every Pedestrian (STEP) initiative.
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Low yield rates at existing crosswalk. | RRFBs get drivers to yield up to 96% of the time. |
| Low-intensity beacons are hard to see, especially during the day. | RRFBs use directional, high-intensity LEDs that are visible at all hours (SAE Standard J595 – Class 1). |
| Drivers are used to flashing beacons, so they no longer grab attention. | The erratic wig-wag + simultaneous flash pattern of the RRFB attracts driver attention. |
| Signal techs are reliant on the public to call in downed or damaged infrastructure. | MX RRFBs alert personnel as soon as there’s an issue, be it a knockdown, low battery, or something else. |
| Engineers have limited insight into the adoption and/or effectiveness of their systems. | MX Cloud provides easy access to data like pedestrian counts that can be used to assess effectiveness and make decisions about future infrastructure. |
Proving RRFBs work
A 2010 FHWA-sponsored study in St. Petersburg, Florida, examined several midblock crosswalks using RRFBs. The results from one test site:
- Yield rate before the installation: 8.6%
- Yield rate after the RRFB installation: 92%
Based on average 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
How and where to use an RRFB
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.
A community toolkit for creating safer 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. It’s our hope this guide makes the crucial work of pedestrian safety a little less confusing and a little easier to implement.
Crosswalks + Connectivity:
R920-MX RRFBs
Our newest MX Series RRFBs take the already impressive capabilities of our best-selling R920 RRFBs and dials them up a notch—or two.
Here’s what you get with an MX RRFB:
- 3 years of free remote connectivity
- Actionable email and text alerts
- Remote system access via MX Cloud™
- Quick setup and local access with MX Field App™
- ‘Smart module’ design for simple installation and richer data
- Solar Power Report (SPR) prepared for every location
- Options for overhead lighting and accessible push buttons
- Request purchase specs
Meets MUTCD Standards
Buy America / BABA compliant
3-year system warranty
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.
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Data Sheet
Download our R920-MX Data Sheet
Get an overview of the features and benefits of the R920-MX, plus all the tech specs and product options—all in a single, shareable document.
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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.
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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.
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Guide
RRFB Application Guide
Download this visual guide for the most common RRFB placements and installations at marked, uncontrolled mid-block crosswalks.
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Carmanah’s RRFB product portfolio
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R920-MX
Connected, solar or AC-powered, crosswalk flashing beacons and signs.
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R920-E (Gen 3)
Compact, 15w solar-powered rectangular rapid flashing beacon (RRFB) for crosswalks.
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R920-F (Gen 3)
Bright, 30w solar-powered rectangular rapid flashing beacon (RRFB) for busy crosswalks.
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SC315-G (Gen 3)
Solar/AC-powered rectangular rapid flashing beacon (RRFB) for shaded/busy crosswalks.
Let’s get started:
Download the data sheet or contact us
By collaborating with engineers, construction contractors, and urban planners around the world, Carmanah’s road safety professionals are helping create the safest, smartest cities on the planet.
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