|
Smart Crosswalks™ Safety Systems
U.S. Utility Patent Number 6,384,742 B1
The Gold Standard
The LightGuard Systems®, Inc. In-Roadway Warning Light product is the “Gold Standard” for all in-pavement crosswalk systems. LightGuard Systems™ is the originator of illuminated pedestrian crosswalk systems.
The Smart Crosswalk™ is the system that was the evaluated product for inclusion into the Federal Highway Administration MUTCD and is protected under U.S. Patent law.
Smart Crosswalk™ School Crossing,
Windsor, California
This is a brick crosswalk with manually activated in-pavement signal lights embedded in concrete, and LED enhanced school crossing sign.
In-Roadway Warning Light (IRWL) enhanced crosswalk system studies of motorist behavior and system effectiveness have been based primarily on our product.
Our competition will often cite positive pedestrian behavioral changes from the use of enhanced crosswalk lights. They are likely using data from evaluations of LightGuard System™ products.
The Smart Crosswalk™ System Design
The LightGuard IRWL enhanced crosswalk system is DC powered. The signal head has 12 high-output LED’s which are hard wired to ensure full power reliability.
The in-pavement LED signal lights are oriented towards the approaching motorist, away and outward from the crosswalk. The lights are visible to the motorist but not the pedestrian. The intent of this Smart Crosswalk™ system feature is to remove a “false sense of security” on the part of the pedestrian when crossing.
The ability to view the crosswalk signal lights in operation by the motorist and not the pedestrian was originally mandated by the California Traffic Controls Devices Committee (CTCDC). Through stringent evaluation by the CTCDC, the Smart Crosswalk™ system uni-directional lights were determined to best enhance safety for the pedestrian.
Smart Crosswalk™ System Installation
The installation of the hard-wired signal heads can be completed normally within 1-3 days, by City Public Works crews or an independent contractor. Installation time is dependent on the number of lanes and equipment chosen.
The saw cut for the IRWL system wiring is generally no wider than .5 inch wide and no greater than 2 inches deep. Either conduit or direct burial wire can be utilized.
The standard base plate is 10 inches in diameter. For "snow country" use, the snowplow blade resistant steel base plate is 14 inches in diameter. The signal light module in either base plate projects no more than .5 inch above the roadway surface.
The signal light modules are always directed towards approaching motorist flashing at the Enlighten 1™ flash rate.
The flashing signal light beams merge at the eye level of the approaching motorist in the "Zone of Convergence." This zone is determined by the posted speed limit and is located 200 to 400 feet in advance of the crosswalk.
When the Enlighten 1™ flashing light beam enters the eye, it travels to the primitive part of the brain that notices motion and movement. A driver who is inattentive should notice a change in conditions, bringing his attention forward, instinctively letting up on the gas and applying the brake.
The signal module units are positioned at the edges of the road to define the shoulders. Then a signal module unit is placed in the center of the road and in each travel lane across the road.
Benefits of a "One Time" saw cut...
We recommend the reliability of hard wired vs. wireless systems. Wireless equipment systems over time have proven to result in operational performance issues, malfunction, increased maintenance, and unusually high replacement costs. We have also noted that this type of system has numerous hidden issues as well, such as overcast, fog, cloudy periods, or just plain shade from trees or nearby buildings. We believe “One saw cut, is worth a thousand batteries”…!
Solar Power Options
The selection of power source, either A/C or solar, is typically dependent on the distance from the IRWL system site to the power source. Should costs related to bringing a standard power supply to the PCU location be prohibitive, the solar option should be utilized.
In areas affected by prolonged overcast, fog, or unavailable A/C power, our solar powered hard wired systems are a viable option. However, in locations where solar systems are subjected to shaded conditions, a decrease in solar charge can occur.
LightGuard staff will be glad to assist you in assuring proper system operation and recharge for your location with the use of our LGS - SolarCalculatorTool™. Contact us for assistance.
Warranty and Maintenance
LightGuard Systems™ offers a three year conditional warranty on its in-pavement signal module components. These systems operate on DC current and can be solar powered.
When required, maintenance on our signal heads is simple. There are four bolts to remove and a plug to disconnect. A malfunctioning signal head can be replaced in a few minutes. Each generation of signal head is designed to retro-fit back into older systems.
Our company provides a staff of highly trained individuals who have extensive experience with specialized LED enhanced systems. Our systems solutions and resulting customer satisfaction bring repeat business. Clients report that our customer service is excellent. They appreciate our prompt response and friendly, professional manner.
|
