Out With The Old In With The New
The old school traditional system of posting school speed limit signs that say they are in effect “when children are present” is very much outdated. These speed limit signs are much too passive for such an important notification. Today’s drivers are used to notifications happening in their faces constantly whether it be from GPS navigation schools, cell phones, or any other distracting device. This is where school beacons come into play. School beacons take the guesswork out of the…
continue readingHow to Drive in a School Zone
Typically, a school zone speed limit is anywhere between 15 MPH – 25 MPH. The actual speed limit for your area and school is determined by a traffic engineering study based on the traffic flow for the area and proximity to the school. Whatever your posted school zone warning sign states you should be very cautious when approaching and driving through a school zone for the safety of all students. Many school zone warning signs state that the speed limit only applies “when children are present.”…
continue readingHow Automation Is Changing Traffic Safety
Twenty years ago, few would’ve thought that almost everyone would be carrying a device in their pocket that connects them to a world of information. With smartphone technology, we can connect with people across the globe, look up reviews for that diner we’d like to try, and check out our hometown high school football game’s score across the country in real time. We can even watch streaming video of the game as it happens. This technology has become so commonplace that we take it for granted. But…
continue readingWhat to Know About Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons
Whether you’re a driver, pedestrian, or citizen sitting comfortably at home awaiting a loved one’s return, roadway safety is essential. Vehicle versus pedestrian accidents often cause severe injury or death to the pedestrian. On average, one pedestrian was killed every 88 minutes in a traffic crash in 20171. Innovations that increase pedestrian roadway safety increase everyone’s sense of security. One relatively new system designed to improve pedestrian visibility and safety that has received…
continue readingWhat Every Pedestrian Should Know About Warning Lights
Although roadways are meant to be shared by everyone, sharing the road with motor vehicles can be dangerous for pedestrians. According to the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA), pedestrian fatalities in 2018 reached a three-decade high. Young children and senior adults are the most likely to perish in these tragic encounters. GHSA Executive Director Jonathan Adkins remarked that “In the past decade, pedestrian deaths have risen 35%. The alarm bells continue to sound on this issue; it’s…
continue readingThe Importance of Flood Warning Systems
Jeff Albright, the CEO of Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America, once said, “A flood is defined as rising water, and it doesn’t matter why the water is rising.” This statement is both straightforward and accurate. When floodwaters rise, citizens shouldn’t concern themselves with the reasons behind the flood. Safety must be their priority. Flood warning systems help make people aware of the danger, empowering them to respond to the threat in the most prudent way possible. Issues…
continue readingBenefits of Using a HAWK Pedestrian Crossing System
Although roadways are often thought of as car-specific, they are meant to be shared by vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists. It doesn’t always feel that way to a pedestrian trying to cross a busy street, even with a painted intersection. Some drivers seem to think they own the road, while others appear oblivious to both the painted crosswalk and the pedestrian. Pedestrians, too, can be distracted or overconfident that they have been seen and have the right-of-way. Driver/pedestrian encounters…
continue readingSolar Powered Pedestrian Crossings - Everything You Need to Know
In the hustle and bustle of daily life, people tend to forget the little things. Some of those little things are actually big things, however. Focusing on where you’re going and arriving safely seems like a given, but it’s not. When everyone is busy with their thoughts and technology, it’s all too easy to overlook an oncoming car or a pedestrian who is about to step out into the street. Improving visibility and compliance for drivers to increase pedestrian safety requires more than a simple painted…
continue readingWhen Can You Disobey a Traffic Control Device?
Just like other traffic laws, traffic control devices are in place to protect you, other drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists while on the road. Through all kinds of weather and sometimes unpredictable situations, these devices serve to reduce accidents and keep traffic moving effectively to prevent time consuming traffic jams and road congestion. What Are Traffic Control Devices? Traffic control devices are markers, signs, and signals that serve to inform and guide motor vehicles, pedestrians,…
continue readingWhat Should You Do If a Traffic Light Is Malfunctioning
While driving to your destination, you come upon a traffic light that’s malfunctioning. Despite being a relatively common occurrence, this can cause feelings of anxiety for many drivers. Malfunctioning signals are always a reason to use extra caution, but they’re easier to manage when you know the right way to approach and handle them. Why Traffic Lights Malfunction There are several possible causes for most traffic signal malfunctions. These include: Power outage Accidents that…
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