The City of Hudson recently completed installation of new flashing beacon crosswalk signals at six crosswalk locations near the schools and one recommended by the 2022 Downtown Pedestrian Safety Study to increase driver awareness and pedestrian safety.
Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFBs) are pedestrian-activated flashing devices, designed to alert drivers to pedestrians crossing the street. The project will be completed by the end of October 2023.
“RRFBs are used to supplement standard pedestrian crossing warning signs at unsignalized crosswalks,” explains City Engineer Brad Kosco. “When activated, the RRFB warning lights provide an additional, effective way to alert drivers to yield to pedestrians. Their effectiveness is also tied to increase pedestrian and driver understanding of the RRFBs, so the City is working on public outreach to help increase awareness and make our city safer for pedestrians.”
The seven locations of RRFBs being installed at crosswalks are located at:
- N Hayden Parkway and Victoria Parkway
- N Hayden Parkway and Simon Road
- Hudson Street and Aurora Street
- Hudson Aurora Road and Herrick Park Drive
- Stow Road and Stonebridge Court
- Stow Road and Pioneer Trail
- E Streetsboro Street and N Oviatt Street
Tips on how to use an RRFB:
Pedestrians:
- When approaching a crosswalk with an RRFB, press the button to activate the flashing lights.
- Wait for the flashing lights to start before crossing the street.
- Make eye contact with drivers and make sure they see you before crossing.
- Continue to look both ways while crossing the street.
Drivers:
- When you see a flashing RRFB, yield to pedestrians in the crosswalk.
- Come to a complete stop if necessary.
- Wait until all pedestrians have crossed the street before proceeding.