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 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 considered in close proximity, collect crossing and traffic data to prioritize locations or consider redesigning the roadway to address any potential systemic safety challenges.
• Other treatments may be more appropriate in locations with sight distance constraints.
• Underground utilities may complicate design or prohibit installation.

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)

Application in Arlington 

Visit Vision Zero Program Dashboard: RRFB to see where this tool is located. 

Vision Zero Dashboard 

References

• Arlington County Marked Crosswalk Guidelines
• FHWA Guide for Improving Pedestrian Safety at Uncontrolled Crossing Locations
• PEDSAFE Pedestrian Safety Guide and Countermeasure Selection System