Seeing Crosswalks in a New Light: In-Roadway Warning Lighting Research
Source: Federal Highway Administration, Public Roads
In-roadway warning lights (also known as "in-pavement lighting" or "flashing crosswalks") involve lining aach side of a crosswalk with a series of amber lights embedded in the roadway that face oncoming traffic. The lights are visible to approaching drivers as a warning that a pedestrian is in the marked crosswalk or near it.
Lights are actuated in one of two ways. In one system, the pedestrian activates the lights by using a traditional push button. In another, the pedestrian is "sensed" by an automatic detection system that triggers the lights. This article reviews recent research regarding these devices.
