The City of Raleigh has installed a new safety feature at the Lake Johnson Park crosswalk on Avent Ferry Road. The crosswalk connects a trail to the parking lot at the entrance of Lake Johnson Park.
The new safety feature is called a Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon, or RRFB for short. The RRFB is a set of warning lights on the sign next to the crosswalk. When a pedestrian presses the button, warning lights will flash, alerting drivers that someone is waiting to cross.
The Federal Highway Administration recommends RRFBs as a proven safety tool. They make drivers much more likely to stop to allow pedestrians to cross the street. Studies show the installation of RRFBs at a crosswalk would be expected to reduce pedestrian crashes by about half.
To use the flashing beacon, press the button. Warning lights will flash, alerting drivers that you are waiting to cross. Make sure approaching vehicles have stopped, then cross the street.
This safety upgrade was installed by our Signs and Pavement Markings group and our Traffic Signals group. Thanks to their hard work, crossing the road to enjoy the trail will be safer and easier.
Did You Know?
RRFBs are commonly used at uncontrolled pedestrian crossings outside of intersections.
As of now, Raleigh Transportation has installed 11 RRFBs at different locations throughout the City of Raleigh.
