** New Crosswalk Safety Enhancements Installed **
<p> New crosswalk safety enhancements were recently installed at three pedestrian crossings on campus: 49<sup>th</sup> Street and the Visual Arts Building; 49<sup>th</sup> Street and Bluestone Avenue; and Powhatan Avenue and the Maglev track. At these locations over winter break the pavement materials were replaced and the crosswalk markings were improved. During spring break, additional pedestrian lighting was added and new Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFBs) were installed. The RRFBs are flashing yellow LED lights that illuminate on both sides of the crosswalk when a pedestrian enters. The RRFB signs are mounted on new decorative signposts and use passive detection via an overhead optical sensor. As a pedestrian approaches the crosswalk the sensor detects their presence, and the RRFB begins to flash for a pre-determined amount of time. To properly activate the RRFBs, pedestrians simply have to briefly stop within the crosswalk lines before stepping off the curb. There is no button to push. When there are no pedestrians entering the crosswalk, the RRFBs will not flash.</p> <p> </p> <p> Additional RRFB installations and pedestrian lights will be coming to the campus in the near future. These pedestrian enhancements are the latest efforts to improve pedestrian safety on campus, however the best thing you can do is to follow the advice below from the Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center. </p> <p> Be Safe and Be Seen: Make yourself visible to drivers</p> <ul> <li> Wear bright/light colored clothing and reflective materials.</li> <li> Carry a flashlight when walking at night.</li> <li> Cross the street in a well-lit area at night.</li> <li> Stand clear of buses, hedges, parked cars, or other obstacles before crossing so drivers can see you.</li> </ul> <p> Be Smart and Alert: Avoid dangerous behaviors</p> <ul> <li> Always walk on the sidewalk. If there is no sidewalk, walk facing traffic.</li> <li> Stay sober; walking while impaired increases your chance of being struck.</li> <li> Don't assume vehicles will stop. Make eye contact with drivers, don't just look at the vehicle. If a driver is on a cell phone, he or she may not be paying enough attention to drive safely.</li> <li> Don't rely solely on pedestrian signals. Look before you cross the road.</li> <li> Be alert to engine noise or backup lights on cars when in parking lots and near on-street parking spaces.</li> </ul> <p> Be Careful at Crossings: Look before you step</p> <ul> <li> Cross streets at marked crosswalks or intersections, if possible.</li> <li> Obey traffic signals such as WALK/DON'T WALK signs.</li> <li> Look left, right, and left again before crossing a street.</li> <li> Watch for turning vehicles. Make sure the driver sees you and will stop for you.</li> <li> Look across ALL lanes you must cross and visually clear each lane before proceeding. Even if one motorist stops, do not presume drivers in other lanes can see you and will stop for you.</li> <li> Don't wear headphones or talk on a cell phone while crossing.</li> </ul> <p> </p> <p> For more information, contact the Transportation and Parking Services office at 757 683-4004.</p> <p> </p>
Posted By: Lisa Williams
Date: Tue Mar 18 16:29:27 EDT 2014