Researchers Examined the Effectiveness of RRFBs and Similar LED Technologies at Six Rural Pedestrian Locations in Vermont Using Video Footage Data Under Different Crossing Conditions.
Vermont, United States
Effectiveness of Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFBs) in Small and Rural Communities
Summary Information
The emphasis on reducing traffic-related injuries and fatalities, particularly among vulnerable road users (VRUs), has heightened the importance of ensuring the safety of pedestrians and cyclists in rural and small communities. Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFBs) are increasingly being used as part of a suite of treatments to enhance safety. However, concerns have been raised about their impact on the behavior of VRUs due to the perceived moral hazard. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of RRFBs in small and rural communities in Vermont. Six treatment locations were paired with six control locations chosen to have similar contexts. Each crossing was located in a town with a population between 5,000 and 50,000 people. Before data was collected from April 2021 through June 2021, and after data was collected from April through August 2022.
METHODOLOGY
Video footage was collected for each pair of control-treatment locations. All pedestrian/vehicle interactions were categorized, and then a random sample of 30 interactions at each location was selected. The difference-in-difference (DID) approach (a controlled before-and-after study) was used to test the causal impact of the RRFBs. The multivariate regression analysis was employed to provide more robust estimates of the effects of RRFBs on compliance and safety.
FINDINGS
- DID analysis showed that the installation of RRFBs results in an improvement in driver yield rates of 12 to 43 percent.
- Pedestrian out-of-crosswalk crossings were reduced by up to 14 percent with RRFBs and similar treatments.
- Evidence for sudden vehicle stopping and pedestrian crossing prior to driver yielding was inconclusive.
- The multivariate analysis showed that when RRFBs were active, drivers were 2.59 times more likely to yield to pedestrians. Pedestrians experienced a 22.75 times higher share of vehicles who yield, and their wait time were not significantly impacted. These effects still applied with the presence of RRFBs that were not active but were weaker and less significant.
