Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon (RRFB)

DEFINITION AND DESCRIPTION

Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFBs) are used to provide emphasis to warning signs at marked crosswalks across uncontrolled approaches. RRFBs consist of two rectangular-shaped yellow indications, each with a light-emitting diode (LED)-array-based light source. RRFBs display alternating high frequency flashes when activated. They can be activated with pedestrian pushbuttons (active detection) or by video, radar, etc. (passive detection) and remain unlit when not activated.

When used at appropriate locations, RRFBs can reduce pedestrian crashes up to 47% and increase motorist yield rates up to 98% (CMF ID 9024).

Implementation Categories

CONSIDERATIONS

• Use RRFBs at locations with high pedestrian volumes.
• Do not use RRFBs on approaches controlled by YIELD signs, STOP signs, traffic signals or pedestrian hybrid beacons.  An exception is provided to allow RRFBs to be used at crosswalks across the approach to or egress from a roundabout.
• Refer to Chapter 4L in the MUTCD and the Traffic Operations Guidance Manual for more information on RRFBs.
• Use RRFBs at locations with high pedestrian volumes.
• Do not use RRFBs on approaches controlled by YIELD signs, STOP signs, traffic signals or pedestrian hybrid beacons.  An exception is provided to allow RRFBs to be used at crosswalks across the approach to or egress from a roundabout.
• Refer to Chapter 4L in the MUTCD and the Traffic Operations Guidance Manual for more information on RRFBs.
• RRFBs can be powered with solar panels.
• Vehicle yielding rates at RRFBs vary by speed limit, number of lanes crossed, and crossing distance.  The combination of high approach speeds and large crossing widths usually indicate a different treatment should be considered.
• Requires DSHE approval through the Division of Traffic Operations.

APPLICATION

• RRFBs are an option at many types of pedestrian crossings, but they are most effective at multilane crossings with speed limits < 40 mph (FHWA).
• Place RRFBs on both sides of a crosswalk below pedestrian crossing signs and above the diagonal downward arrow plaques that point to the crossing.
• For divided highways with wide medians, the crossing should be broken into two separate crossing movements with an RRFB in the median for both directions of travel.

example

Image Source: Google Earth

Complimentary SSA Strategies

• High-Visibility Crosswalks
• Medians and Pedestrian Refuge Islands
• Lighting
• Human Factors Guidance – Selecting Beacons for Improving Pedestrian Conspicuity at Crosswalks