Citation

Sparks J, Cynecki MJ. ITE J. 1990; 60(1): 32-36.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1990, Institute of Transportation Engineers)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

This is a report of a study conducted in Tucson, Arizona which evaluated flashers installed at two 15 mph school crossings. It was found that speeds and violation rates significantly increased after flashing beacons were installed. The study confirmed that it is futile and counterproductive to expect artificial stimulants (such as flashers) to override driver judgments as to safe and unsafe behaviors. It was also found that the longer the flasher operates, the more it becomes part of the scenery and eventually loses any effectiveness. Flashing beacons may ineffective in an urban environment, but it is recognized that actuated flashers may possibly be beneficial in a high-speed rural environment with unusual geometrics, high pedestrian crossings, and unfamiliar drivers.