In-Roadway Lights Crosswalk
Based on National Safety Council, White Paper April 2012
Request a Quote
Get in touch today for pricing, budgetary estimates and more information on your specific project requirements.
Inattention blindness, described in the NSC’s April 2012 white paper on distracted driving (commonly referred to as tunnel vision), is a significant hazard for pedestrians and drivers, contributing to countless accidents and fatalities on our roads.
This phenomenon occurs because drivers focus their attention narrowly, often missing crucial information in their surroundings. According to the National Safety Council’s white paper, this cognitive limitation is common among drivers familiar with their frequently traveled routes. It is hazardous in situations requiring quick reactions, such as pedestrian crosswalks.
Tunnel vision can cause drivers to overlook pedestrians and other obstacles outside their immediate focus, leading to close calls and potentially catastrophic outcomes. The white paper highlights that even attentive drivers can fall victim to inattention blindness due to various distractions, over-familiarity with routes, and the natural limitations of human perception.
One effective solution to this problem is In-Road Warning Lights (IRWLs), also known as LaneLights.
What Are In-Road Warning Lights and How Do They Work?
In-Road Warning Lights are high-intensity, daytime-visible LED light fixtures embedded in the pavement at crosswalks. They are often solar-powered due to their low energy requirements but can also be AC-powered.
When a pedestrian is present, these lights are activated either manually or automatically and start flashing brightly, directly in the driver’s line of sight.
Because In-Road Warning Lights are daytime-bright and located in the driver’s immediate line of sight, they are visible even if the driver’s focus is elsewhere.
Here’s how they make crosswalks safer:
- Immediate Visibility: Since the lights are embedded in the road, they are directly in the driver’s field of vision, ensuring they can’t be overlooked.
- Attention-Grabbing: The flashing pattern of the lights is designed to catch the eye quickly, even in the brightest daylight conditions and especially in low-light conditions or during inclement weather.
- Active Warning: Because the lights are pedestrian-activated, they only flash when a pedestrian is present, making them a dynamic warning system that drivers are more likely to respond to.
Making Crosswalks Even Safer
Although In-Road Warning Lights are an excellent solution for capturing a driver’s attention, combining them with other safety features can create the ultimate crosswalk system. The following ancillary flashing devices connect to the same controller and activation system as the in-road warning lights:
- Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFBs): These are bright, flashing lights mounted at the sides of the road. When pedestrians activate them, they emit rapid flashes that are hard to ignore, further ensuring drivers see the crosswalk ahead.
- LED Enhanced Signs: These signs are illuminated with perimeter-mounted LEDs, making them highly visible at all times. They serve as constant reminders that a crosswalk is ahead, even from a distance.
- Advance Warning Devices: Typically, RRFBs or LED Enhanced signs, are usually solar-powered and wirelessly linked to the In-Road Warning light system, providing advance notification of an activated crosswalk ahead.
When all these elements work together, they create a highly effective system that addresses tunnel vision and enhances pedestrian safety. Studies have shown that using In-Road Warning Lights or combined measures can reduce pedestrian-vehicle collisions by up to 96%. By integrating these lights into our road systems, we can create a safer environment for all road users, reducing the likelihood of accidents caused by distracted driving and promoting more attentive driving behavior despite inattention blindness.
Join us in creating a safer way home for everyone!
Hit the button below to contact us about your exact requirements and we will be happy to give you more information about our products!