This study examined rapid-flash beacons in three experiments. In Experiment 1, three sites were selected each with four-lanes. A Fourth site included a mid-block crossing at the point where the roadway transitioned from two southbound lanes to one lane and from two northbound lanes to one lane. Data were collected in a multiple baseline ABCBC reversal design. Baseline data were collected in the absence of the crossing aid. Following baseline, the system was evaluated by alternating between two and four beacon systems. Results showed a dramatic increase in motorist yielding behavior over baseline for two beacons and a significant increase with a four-beacons system over a two-beacon system. Data also show that yielding distances increased. The second experiment compared a traditional pedestrian over-head yellow beacon, a yellow beacon side mounted system and the LED rapid flash system. The results showed that the yellow flashing beacons produced a minimal increase in yielding while the rapid flashing beacon produced a marked increase in yielding behavior. A third experiment examined the effectiveness of the rapid-flash yellow beacon system with short- and long-term follow up data at 18 sites. Results indicated that the effects of the system were maintained over time.
Abstract