Traffic Safety Countermeasures

Posted on 12/13/2021 by Traffic Safety Team

FDOT District Two Community Traffic Safety Program in Northeast Florida created an educational countermeasure series based on proven measures of effectiveness by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). The three videos below highlight cost effective safety engineering countermeasures which help reduce lane departure crashes and intersection crashes, and protect vulnerable road users.

Lane Departure Countermeasures

Intersection Countermeasures

Pedestrian/Bicyclist Countermeasures

These top three safety emphasis areas are part of Florida’s Strategic Highway Safety Plan and FDOT’s Vital Few safety focus. Fifteen digital cards were created to share, download, and print for Community Traffic Safety Team members, which include the 4E’s (Engineers, Educators, Law Enforcement, and Emergency Medical Personnel), city/county/state agencies, private industries, and local citizens. Visit the three blogposts below for more information and to access the educational cards.

Lane Departure Countermeasures

Intersection Countermeasures

Pedestrian/Bicyclist Countermeasures

Five Traffic Safety Countermeasures that Work in Preventing Roadway Departures:

Curves – Enhanced Delineation (Curve Signs) and Increased Pavement Friction
Rumbles – Center Line, Edge Line and Shoulder Rumble Strips and Stripes
Barriers – Roadside and Median Barrier Terminals and Crash Cushions
Clear Zone – Clear Zones and Widening Shoulders Provide for a Safe Recovery
SafetyEdge^SM – SafetyEdge^SM Technology Shapes Edge of Pavement at 30 Degrees

Traffic Safety Countermeasures that Work in Reducing Intersection Crashes:

Roundabouts Reduce Severe Crashes
Backplates with Retroreflective Borders
Left and Right Turn Lanes at Intersections Reduce Severe Crashes
Well-Timed Yellow Change Intervals Reduce Red-Light Running
Benefits of the Flashing Yellow Arrow Left Turn Signal

Traffic Safety Countermeasures that Work in Reducing Pedestrian-Vehicle Crashes:

Walkways, Shared Use Paths, and Sidewalks Improve Safety and Mobility
Leading Pedestrian Intervals (LPI) Give Pedestrians a Head Start
Pedestrian Crossing Islands and Medians Reduce Pedestrian Crashes
Pedestrian Hybrid Beacons (PHBs) Assist with Safe Crossing
Road Diets – Roadway Reconfigurations Improve Safety for All Road Users

Additional Resources and Information:

Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon

Posted on 07/16/2021 by Traffic Safety Team

Pedestrian Hybrid Beacons (PHBs) are designed to help pedestrians safely cross busy or higher-speed roadways at midblock crossings and uncontrolled intersections, where a majority of pedestrian fatalities occur. The PHB is an intermediate option between a flashing beacon and a full pedestrian signal. It assigns right of way and provides positive stop control, and allows motorists to proceed when the pedestrian has cleared the travel lane.

PHB High-Intensity Activated Crosswalk Operation Guide

FDOT District Two Community Traffic Safety Program developed a simple guide to help explain the process of a PHB for both motorists and pedestrians. Learn what drivers and pedestrians should do when they approach a Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon.

Click here to download the PDF Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon Guide, watch the video and flip through the digital book below.

Northeast Florida uses PHBs in communities to increase driver awareness of pedestrian crossings at uncontrolled, marked crosswalk locations. They are different from regular pre-timed pedestrian traffic signals as they are only activated when needed by the pedestrian.

PHB Instructions for Drivers and Pedestrians

STEP 1
• Drivers will see all indication lights are dark when there is no pedestrian waiting to cross, and the pedestrian signal will maintain a “DON’T WALK” symbol.
• Pedestrians who want to cross the street will need to push the button to activate the system.

STEP 2
• Drivers will see a FLASHING YELLOW light for a few seconds when pedestrians push the button. Drivers should reduce speed and prepare to stop.
• Pedestrians will still see the “DON’T WALK” symbol and should wait.

STEP 3
• Drivers will see the flashing go to a STEADY YELLOW light, warning them the indication will soon turn to a STEADY RED light.
• Pedestrians continue to see the “DON’T WALK” symbol and should remain waiting.

STEP 4
• Drivers will see a STEADY RED light, which requires them to STOP at the stop line.
• Pedestrians will then see a “WALK” symbol to cross and should look in both directions to make sure all vehicles are stopped.

STEP 5
• Drivers will see ALTERNATING FLASHING RED lights, as pedestrians cross the street. During this period, drivers are required to STOP and then they may proceed with caution if crosswalk is clear.
• Pedestrians will see the WALK indication change to a flashing countdown that indicates how much time they have remaining to cross the street.

STEP 6
• Drivers will see all lights are back to dark at the end of the flashing countdown and may continue to proceed through the crosswalk if it is clear.
• Pedestrians will see the “DON’T WALK” symbol and must push the button to activate the system again.

For more Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon resources and information, visit: FHWA Safety Program.

No Regrets When You DRIVE WITH CARE & CROSS WITH CARE

Pedestrian Safety

Pedestrian Safety – Traffic Control Box Wraps

Posted on 07/19/2017 by Traffic Safety Team

Traffic Control Box Wraps: “Push, Wait, Walk”

Over 70 pedestrian safety traffic control box wraps have been installed in Northeast Florida with a message that reminds walkers to “Always Use The Crosswalk, Walk On Sidewalks & Be Aware!” When crossing at a lighted intersection with a crosswalk, it is important to “Push” the crosswalk button, “Wait” for the light to change and cars to completely stop, and “Walk” with caution while making sure oncoming cars are stopping and drivers see you in the crosswalk. Take a look at the quick highlight video of this message on traffic control boxes.

Your Community Traffic Safety Team is dedicated to “Bringing You Home Safely.” Remember to always use a crosswalk or cross at an intersection, not in the middle of a block. Walk on the sidewalk or facing traffic as far from traffic as possible when a sidewalk is not available. Constantly be aware, and make sure drivers see you!

We have also been targeting drivers with its “No Regrets When You DRIVE WITH CARE” safety messages and continues to promote safe driving education and reminders. Over the past year, the campaign has been extended onto streets for a positive reminder to walkers everywhere to be safe and arrive alive.

Visit our Pedestrian Safety page for more information and resources.

Video clip of the first pedestrian safety message being installed on a traffic control box: Crosswalk Safety

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