THE EFFECTIVENESS OF SCHOOL SIGNS WITH FLASHING BEACONS IN REDUCING VEHICLE SPEEDS
The effectiveness of signs with flashers in school zones during times of pedestrian activity in reducing vehicular speed was studied in detail. Individual signs and flashers were examined. Non-uniform signing, inoperative flashers, hidden flashers, deteriorating signs and pavement markers and poor signt distances were found to be problems. Speed measurements were made during flashing and non-flashing periods at 48 locations. Physical characteristics of the locations were taken into consideration. Average speed reductions were only 36 mph (1.6 m/s) during flashing periods. Signs and flashers at high speed locations increased inter-vehicle accident potential because of decreased speed uniformity. Crossing guards caused reduction in speed to within the 25 mph (11-m/s) limit. Speed enforcement, minimal periods of flashing, good sight distance, proper maintenance of signs and flashers, installation only after careful investigation of need, raised speed limits in school zones wherever there is a high speed approach highway and special pedestrian phasing at major intersections are recommended.
- Record URL:
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Corporate Authors:
Kentucky Department of Transportation
Bureau of Highways
Frankfort, KY United States 40601 -
Authors:
- Zegeer, C V
- Publication Date: 1975-7
Media Info
- Features: Appendices; Figures; References; Tables;
- Pagination: 32 p.
Subject/Index Terms
- TRT Terms: Beacons; Flashing beacons; Maintenance practices; Measures of effectiveness; School children; Signs; Speed limits; Studies; Traffic safety; Traffic speed
- Uncontrolled Terms: Child safety; Effectiveness; Operation and maintenance
- Old TRIS Terms: Speed studies
- Subject Areas: Highways; Maintenance and Preservation; Operations and Traffic Management;
Filing Info
- Accession Number: 00127044
- Record Type: Publication
- Report/Paper Numbers: No. 429 Res. Rept.
- Contract Numbers: KYP-72-40
- Files: TRIS, STATEDOT
- Created Date: Jan 14 1976 12:00AM