The Importance of Pedestrian Safety Month
Pedestrian Safety Month serves as a critical reminder of the dangers pedestrians face on the road every day. Initiated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), this month-long observance focuses on reducing the tragic number of pedestrian fatalities that occur each year in the U.S. Over 7,500 pedestrians were killed in traffic accidents in 2022 alone, with most incidents happening at non-intersection locations or intersections equipped with traditional traffic control devices.
With more than 60% of pedestrian fatalities occurring at intersections already equipped with lights and signals, it is clear that additional safety measures are needed. Midblock crossings and uncontrolled intersections are particularly hazardous, as they lack the expected traffic control features and rely heavily on driver attention and pedestrian visibility.
TraffiCalm’s suite of pedestrian safety products, including Rectangular Rapid-Flashing Beacons (RRFBs) and Push-2-Cross systems, are specifically designed to enhance visibility and safety at these critical points. These advanced systems are key to reducing incidents at high-risk locations by offering real-time alerts and increased driver awareness.
Midblock Crossings: A High-Risk Zone for Pedestrians
Pedestrian safety is an ever-growing concern, particularly at midblock crossings, which are frequently high-risk zones due to their positioning away from intersections where drivers might expect to stop. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), more than 60% of pedestrian fatalities occur at non-intersection locations, including midblock crossings. These crossings can be especially dangerous in urban areas where high pedestrian traffic meets fast-moving vehicles.
Why Midblock Crossings Pose Unique Risks
Unlike intersections with traffic lights or stop signs, midblock crossings often rely on the attentiveness of drivers and the visibility of pedestrians to ensure safe passage. This makes them particularly hazardous in low-light conditions or where sightlines are obstructed. In fact, research shows that pedestrian crashes are significantly more likely in these uncontrolled environments. Therefore, enhancing safety at midblock crossings is crucial.
The TraffiCalm Solution
To combat these dangers, TraffiCalm’s Push-2-Cross systems offer a highly effective, real-time warning solution for drivers and pedestrians alike. With the press of a button, pedestrians can activate flashing Rectangular Rapid-Flashing Beacons (RRFBs), which have been shown to increase driver yielding rates by up to 98%, according to studies from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)(AZDOT). These beacons provide clear visual cues to alert drivers well in advance of the crossing, helping reduce reaction time and minimizing the risk of accidents.
Increased Visibility with RRFBs
The key to RRFBs’ success is their irregular flash pattern, which mimics emergency vehicle lighting to capture driver attention more effectively than traditional pedestrian signals. This makes them a critical addition to midblock crossings, particularly in areas with heavy pedestrian traffic. When paired with TraffiCalm’s radar-activated systems, they offer an intuitive, plug-and-play solution that integrates seamlessly into existing infrastructures.
The Importance of Data-Driven Solutions
With more than 7,500 pedestrian fatalities occurring annually in the U.S., and the majority happening outside traditional intersections, the need for advanced safety measures like RRFBs at midblock crossings is clear. Implementing data-driven solutions like TraffiCalm’s systems can significantly reduce these statistics, making streets safer for everyone, from urban areas to suburban communities.
Uncontrolled Intersections: Increasing Safety with Technology
Uncontrolled intersections—areas where there are no stop signs, traffic lights, or other regulatory signals—present unique challenges for pedestrian safety. These locations often rely on drivers’ attentiveness and pedestrians’ visibility, leading to a higher risk of accidents. According to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), many pedestrian accidents at these intersections occur because drivers are unprepared to stop, especially when pedestrian crossings are not clearly marked or adequately signaled.
Challenges at Uncontrolled Intersections
Without regulatory traffic control devices, drivers may not anticipate pedestrians, especially at crossings with limited visibility or high speeds. This lack of awareness significantly increases the risk of accidents. In fact, uncontrolled intersections are notorious for contributing to the growing number of pedestrian fatalities. Traditional warning methods often fall short in these settings, making innovative solutions critical to improving pedestrian safety.
RRFBs: The Game-Changer for Uncontrolled Intersections
Rectangular Rapid-Flashing Beacons (RRFBs) have proven to be a highly effective solution for uncontrolled intersections. These beacons are activated by pedestrians and use a distinct, irregular flash pattern that mimics emergency vehicle lights, immediately grabbing the attention of drivers. Studies by the FHWA show that RRFBs can increase driver yielding rates by up to 98%, drastically improving safety at uncontrolled intersections(AZDOT).
TraffiCalm’s Approach: Intelligent Solutions for Safer Crossings
TraffiCalm’s Push-2-Cross systems, paired with RRFB technology, provide seamless pedestrian crossings for uncontrolled intersections. These systems allow pedestrians to trigger highly visible warnings that alert drivers well before they reach the crosswalk, ensuring enough reaction time to yield. The combination of RRFBs and Push-2-Cross provides a layered safety system designed to protect pedestrians in high-risk areas.
Pelco Solutions: Integrated Systems for Safer Roads
As part of a collaborative effort to enhance pedestrian safety, Pelco Solutions—a joint initiative between TraffiCalm and Pelco—focuses on integrating technology and infrastructure for seamless safety solutions. While TraffiCalm leads in pedestrian safety technology, Pelco complements this with robust and reliable infrastructure that supports these advanced systems.
By combining TraffiCalm’s cutting-edge solutions, like Push-2-Cross and RRFBs, with Pelco’s durable poles and hardware, cities can deploy comprehensive safety measures at midblock crossings and uncontrolled intersections. This unified approach ensures both high visibility for pedestrians and long-term reliability for urban planners and traffic engineers.
How Pelco Solutions Enhances Pedestrian Safety
Pelco Solutions offers a wide array of integrated systems tailored to meet the unique challenges of pedestrian safety. Whether it’s ensuring pedestrian crossings at uncontrolled intersections or installing midblock RRFB systems, Pelco’s durable infrastructure ensures that safety measures are not only highly effective but also long-lasting. Together, we are equipping communities with the tools they need to reduce pedestrian accidents and increase safety.
Working Together to Improve Pedestrian Safety
Pedestrian Safety Month is a timely reminder of the importance of addressing the rising number of pedestrian fatalities, particularly at midblock crossings and uncontrolled intersections. By leveraging innovative technologies such as RRFBs and Push-2-Cross systems, we can significantly reduce the risks pedestrians face daily.
At TraffiCalm and Pelco Solutions, our mission is to combine the best of pedestrian safety technology with reliable infrastructure to create safer streets and crossings. Our solutions offer easy integration, advanced warning systems, and long-term durability, making them ideal for cities and municipalities that prioritize pedestrian safety. Let’s work together to make our roads safer and prevent tragedies before they happen.