LIGHTGUARD Continues Lighting the Way for Crosswalk Safety with New Passive Pedestrian Detection Bollard

LIGHTGUARD Continues Lighting the Way for Crosswalk Safety with Newest Model of Pedestrian Detection Bollard

websitebuilder • July 20, 2017

The crosswalk safety and traffic calming device tech leader makes improvements to its automatic pedestrian-activated infrared bollard system with new NightGuide™ and customizable branded logo light embellishment.

Santa Rosa, Calif.—San Francisco North Bay Area LightGuard Systems announces updates to its Smart Crosswalk™ infrared Automatic Activation Bollard pedestrian detection system for better public crosswalk safety at urban neighborhoods, cities, airports, school zones, parking areas, campuses and private facilities using its Smart Crosswalk™ flashing LED systems, signs, and traffic calming pedestrian safety devices designed to alert motorists to pedestrians inside a crosswalk.

The next-generation Smart Crosswalk™ Automatic Activation Bollard (T6) is more attractive and offers more safety lighting features than its predecessor—and any other similar product in the industry—with a new fully customizable lighted logo embellishment on the front and improved courtesy light, NightGuide™—a downward conical-shaped light containing 16 LEDs that softly illuminates and calls pedestrians’ attention to the crosswalk entrance, ‘inviting’ them to a safer place to cross the street.

The Automatic Activation Bollard pedestrian detection system consists of entry ‘gateways’ created by two opposing bollards which are installed approximately 2’–4’ from the curb at the crosswalk entrance. As pedestrians enter the crosswalk and pass between the two bollards, infrared light beams detect their presence—activating a chain of automated silent and visual communications between the motorist, the pedestrian, the bollard, and the LED warning lights embedded into the pavement that are visible to approaching motorists up to 1,000 feet in advance of the crosswalk.

The Automatic Activation Bollard ‘gateway’ detection system was invented by the company in the early 90’s to provide the additional safety benefits that a lighted crosswalk system offers to the 67% of pedestrians who did not use the push button to activate the lights. (Whitlock & Weinberger, April 1998, page 32). Using the Automatic Activation Bollard—which requires no pedestrian action aside from walking inside the bollard gateway—nearly 100% pedestrian compliance, or usage, is achieved—providing safety to 67 more pedestrians per 100.

Automatic Activation Bollard (T6) — Santa Rosa, CA — Lightguard Systems

The new T6 bollard is backwards compatible with the company’s in-roadway warning light (IRWL) fixtures, flashing LED warning signs, solar, controllers, and other wireless ITS systems—but offers its fullest capabilities to customers using the complete Smart Crosswalk™ IRWL system with flashing pedestrian border-enhanced warning signs.

“Cities, schools and municipalities need a proven method to tackle the problems that distracted driving and lack of drivers’ awareness of crosswalks has on pedestrian safety,” says LightGuard Systems President Michael Harrison. “We have a solution. Smart Crosswalk™ alerts motorists, in real-time, of pedestrians inside a crosswalk.”

LIGHTGUARD’s products can be customized to fit any uncontrolled marked crosswalks, crosswalks marked with pedestrian, school or trail crossing signs, at locations such as:

Urban mid-block crosswalks
School zones
Intersections with through lanes on major legs
Multi-lane crosswalks
Greenways
Trail crossings
Public parking garages
Corporate campuses

“We want city and school leaders to know that technology can support their goals, whether it’s in public safety, reaching Vision Zero, creating a more walkable community, or avoiding a potential liability at an accident-prone crosswalk,” says LightGuard President Michael Harrison.

About LightGuard Systems®
For twenty-five years, LightGuard Systems’—pioneers in traffic safety and inventors of lighted crosswalk systems—has helped cities, municipalities, schools, traffic safety and transportation engineers build safer crossing environments for pedestrians, students, employees, the elderly and disabled. Customers choose LightGuard for its easy-to-install, robust, reliable and cutting-edge-technology systems, better pedestrian safety outcomes, and a safer, more effective public safety traffic calming method. In a study conducted by Whitlock & Weinberger Transportation Inc., April 1998, LightGuard’s systems increased driver yield rates to pedestrians from 20 percent to 95 percent in the evening.

LightGuard’s solutions include:

Lighted safety systems for crosswalk and pedestrian crossings
Automatic activation and manual push button devices that trigger a lighted crosswalk warning system’s blinking lights
System controllers, data collection, storage and management devices
Flashing LED pedestrian, stop, yield, school zone and other signs
Flashing LED Sign and Rapid Rectangular Flashing Beacon (RRFB) systems

History of Smart Crosswalk™

In 1991, LightGuard’s President, Michael Harrison conceived the idea of a pedestrian crosswalk warning system after a close friend was involved in a fatal crosswalk crash. After several years of research and development, the first ever lighted crosswalk system was created. In 1999, LightGuard presented its technology to the Federal MUTCD Marker and Signals Committees, recommending amendments to the existing MUTCD manual. After both committees approved the recommendations, the FHWA made the final decision on the language and inclusion of in-roadway warning lights at crosswalks into the Millennium Edition of the Federal MUTCD. (See: MUTCD Section 4N). LightGuard Systems® in-roadway warning lights (AKA lighted crosswalks), are now a recognized traffic calming standard in the U.S. LightGuard Systems holds multiple design and utility patents and is based in Santa Rosa, California.

References
Whitlock & Weinberger Transportation, Inc. (1998, April 10). An Evaluation of Crosswalk Warning System Utilizing In-Pavement Flashing Lights, Pages 28-32.

Media Contact: Sharon Hustwit, Director of Marketing

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Stay Safe on St. Patrick’s Day: Essential Traffic Safety Tips

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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! 🍀🚦