This is a huge milestone and significant achievement for LightGuard Systems, Inc. This goal has been our focus for years and there is a great sense of accomplishment for all the effort that went toward ensuring that LED in-roadway warning lights become an acceptable standard in the MUTCD. The LightGuard System, with its uni-directional lighting configuration and enhanced strobe-like flash rate, was subjected to years of field study evaluations under the auspices of the Federal Highway Administration, the California Traffic Control Devices Committee, the California Office of Traffic Safety, and the North Carolina Highway Safety Research Center. Those study reports were conclusive with compelling and consistent data showing that the LightGuard System met the strict criteria to be an effective traffic control device. No other device or product has undergone the scrutiny of before and after engineering studies to determine its effectiveness other than uni-directional in-roadway warning light systems for this application. There are now imitations and knock-off products using untested designs and outdated technology in the marketplace. The effectiveness of these products has not been established with any known supportive test data being submitted to state or federal agencies. Similar Systems using alternate layout designs and products, other than those tested, may result in diminished effectiveness.

To be effective, as defined by the MUTCD, a traffic control device should meet five basic requirements, as follows:

1. Fulfill a need
2. Command attention
3. Convey a clear, simple meaning
4. Command respect of road users
5. Give adequate time for proper response

LightGuard Systems met these requirements with documented test results addressing each requirement. A single array of flashing amber uni-directional warning lights establishes a prominent single demarcation line sending a clear, simple meaning that commands the respect of road users in an effective manner. The enhanced flash rate used with a LightGuard System contributes to commanding attention of the approaching motorist. An activated LightGuard System can be viewed from over 1000 feet away from the crosswalk providing adequate time for proper response. The System also fulfills a need by providing a cost saving, effective means of addressing pedestrian safety issues at uncontrolled crosswalk locations.

A recent San Jose, California study comparing the effectiveness of standard overhead yellow flashing beacons vs. in-roadway warning lights indicates what many have suspected for years: Overhead flashing beacons are not effective in getting motorists to yield to pedestrians while in-roadway warning lights are effective and produce significant differences in the percentage of motorists that yield to pedestrians. (see Study)

During the proposal and initial development of in-roadway warning lights for use at crosswalks, the California Traffic Control Devices Committee mandated a uni-directional lighting layout so the crossing pedestrian would not easily see an activated System. This was requested to minimize the chances of any increased false sense of security implied by a pedestrian thinking they are using a protected crossing. As a result of the committee’s recommendations and mandate, the LED in-roadway warning lights do not shine across the crosswalk striping and thus face out and away from the crosswalk only. Subsequent to the initial development of a manually activated push button system, a fully automated Smart Crosswalk™ system using automatic activation bollards was developed to address the false sense of security concerns. With automatic activation, the pedestrian is usually unaware that they have activated anything and typically acts in a more cautious fashion when crossing the street.