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LED Warning Signs in National City: a Citywide Pedestrian Enhancement Project

websitebuilder • May 5, 2020

Solar School Crossing Sign — Santa Rosa, CA — Lightguard Systems

Solar school crossing sign in National City, CA – LightGuard Systems

Overview:

City of National City, California aimed to implement a citywide plan to make pedestrian, school crossing and pedestrian/bicycle signs more visible to motorists. Here, a succession of LED enhanced school crossing signs on 8thStreet warn motorists in real-time of pedestrians inside or waiting to cross at a crosswalk. To enhance the safety of school children and pedestrians at approximately 35 crossing locations inside city limits, the City of National City aimed to find a solution that would not only create safer crossing environments for the public, but also increase driver yielding by giving them ample time and sufficient warning to slow down at mid-block crossings where pedestrians are present. This project is on-going with systems installed starting in 2011.


Type: Citywide mid-block pedestrian, bike, and school zone safety crossing enhancement

Project Size: 70, 36” x 36” Flashing Solar LED Border-Enhanced Pedestrian, School Crossing & Ped/Bike Warning Signs; 70 push button stations with braille placards

Preferred Architects: Dokken Engineering

Preferred Installing Contractor: Perry Electric


Requirements:

An effective, budget-friendly, scalable traffic calming safety system that’s proven effective at alerting motorists up to 1,000 feet in advance of a crosswalk. Rush hour traffic, school children excitement, low visibility at night, and other visual roadway distractions created the need for highly visible, high-intensity, LED border-enhanced warning sign systems for use throughout the city. Additionally, solar power and push button mechanisms with braille were required for a Co2 carbon-neutral, and sight-impaired accessible, public safety solution.


Solution 1:

48 Solar Flashing 36” x 36” LED Pedestrian Signs

48 Solar Flashing Crossing Sign — Santa Rosa, CA — Lightguard Systems

Our W11-2 flashing LED border-enhanced warning signs were added to mid-block crossings where additional pedestrian visibility was desired. MUTCD compliant, only LightGuard Systems’ LED signs contain 8 light bars with 96 high-intensity flashing LEDs. Visible from 1,000 feet, LED signs help to increase motorist yielding. National City’s LED signs activate via pedestrian push buttons with braille placards, operate via solar power, and flash only when a pedestrian is present.


Solution 2:

20 Solar Flashing 36” x 36” LED School Crossing Warning Signs

20 Solar Flashing Crossing Sign — Santa Rosa, CA — Lightguard Systems

Our S1-1 flashing LED border-enhanced warning signs were added to mid-block crossings where motorists encountered multiple mid-block crossings within a 1-mile area. MUTCD compliant, only LightGuard Systems’ LED signs contain 8 light bars with 96 high-intensity flashing LEDs. Visible from 1,000 feet, LED signs help to increase motorist yielding. National City’s LED signs activate via pedestrian push buttons with braille placards, operate via solar power, and flash only when a pedestrian is present.


Solution 3:

2 Solar Flashing 36” x 36” LED Ped/Bike Warning Signs

2 Solar Flashing Crossing Sign — Santa Rosa, CA — Lightguard Systems

Our custom W11-15 flashing LED border-enhanced pedestrian/bicycle warning signs were added to crossings where public crossing warning sign visibility was desired. MUTCD compliant, only LightGuard Systems’ LED signs contain 8 light bars with 96 high-intensity flashing LEDs. Visible from 1,000 feet, LED signs help to increase motorist yielding. National City’s LED signs activate via pedestrian push buttons, operate via solar power, and flash only when a pedestrian is present.


Solution 4:

70 Push Button Stations with Braille Placards

Push Button Stations — Santa Rosa, CA — Lightguard Systems

Braille Placard

Our MUTCD & ADA compliant 2” push button contains 4 lights that flash when pushed—letting pedestrians know that the flashing LED crosswalk signs are activated. Sold in pairs, it has tamper-resistant hardware, large mushroom buttons and easily mounts to existing poles. National City selected optional braille placards for the visually impaired public. Push buttons can be used alone, or as an adjunct activation method to passive activation bollards.

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St. Patrick’s Day is a time for celebration—parades, parties, and plenty of festive cheer. However, with the excitement comes increased traffic, crowds, and a higher risk of unsafe driving. Whether you’re heading out for a night on the town, joining a parade, or simply enjoying the holiday, prioritizing road safety is key. Here are some essential traffic safety tips to ensure a fun and accident-free St. Patrick’s Day: 1. Plan Ahead: Designate a Driver If you plan on drinking, make sure you have a safe ride home. Impaired driving is a serious risk—not only to yourself but to everyone on the road. Arrange for a designated driver, use a rideshare service, or take public transportation. A little preparation can prevent a tragedy. 2. Be Aware of Road Closures Parades and celebrations often lead to road closures and detours. Check local traffic reports in advance to avoid unexpected delays. Knowing alternate routes ahead of time can save you from frustration and keep traffic flowing smoothly. 3. Watch for Pedestrians With large crowds and celebratory distractions, pedestrians may not always be paying attention. Always yield at crosswalks and stay extra vigilant in busy areas, especially near bars, event venues, and parade routes. 4. Stay Focused—Avoid Distracted Driving Between checking maps, responding to messages, and managing passengers, distractions can be tempting. Keep your eyes on the road and avoid using your phone while driving. A moment of distraction can lead to an accident. 5. Stay Alert for Impaired Drivers Unfortunately, drunk driving spikes on holidays like St. Patrick’s Day. If you notice a driver swerving, speeding, or behaving erratically, keep your distance and report them to authorities. Your vigilance could save lives. 6. Buckle Up—Every Trip, Every Time Seat belts save lives, no matter how short the drive. Ensure that everyone in your vehicle is buckled up before hitting the road. 7. Plan Your Parking Strategy Expect crowded parking lots and limited spots near popular events. To avoid the stress, look up parking options in advance or carpool with friends. Walking a short distance from a well-lit, secure parking area is a small trade-off for peace of mind. 8. Be Patient and Expect Delays Traffic congestion is almost guaranteed on St. Patrick’s Day. Stay calm, give yourself extra time to reach your destination, and remember that arriving safely is more important than rushing. 9. Keep Emergency Contacts Handy In case of an emergency, have local law enforcement and towing service numbers saved in your phone. Being prepared can make all the difference if something unexpected happens. Enhancing Safety with Lighted Crosswalks Installing a LightGuard Systems lighted crosswalk in your community is an effective way to reduce pedestrian and cyclist accidents. These crosswalks use in-road warning lights and flashing LED signs to alert drivers when pedestrians are crossing, improving visibility—especially in low-light conditions. By increasing driver awareness and compliance with traffic laws, lighted crosswalks make streets safer for everyone. Celebrate Responsibly—Safety Comes First St. Patrick’s Day should be fun and memorable for all the right reasons. By planning ahead, driving responsibly, and staying alert, you can help ensure a safe holiday for yourself and others. Let’s make this St. Patrick’s Day one to remember—for the fun, not the risks. Don’t rely on luck—plan ahead for safety! 🍀🚦
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