How Signal Indicators Preserve Pedestrian Safety

When was the last time you decided to walk somewhere instead of drive? Many people would love to be able to ditch their car or public transportation for a long walk—but depending on where you live, it can often be unsafe for pedestrian traffic. If you have vision or hearing impairments, it’s downright dangerous. How can municipalities balance regulating traffic with pedestrian safety? Enter high-quality pedestrian signal indicators.

Keeping pedestrians safe at intersections

Pedestrian safety doesn’t start and end with WALK/DON’T WALK signs. Although they’re helpful, there are plenty of factors to consider. In addition to signage, a safe intersection should include:

  • Crosswalks: Each walkable area of the intersection should be clearly marked as a crosswalk, which will guide pedestrian traffic.
  • Pedestrian signal heads: Pedestrians should be able to see a signal head no matter which direction they’re facing. They need to be clearly marked and visible.
  • Pushbuttons: If you install pushbuttons for your pedestrian signal, make sure they’re low enough so wheelchair users and children can reach them.
  • ADA-compliant curbs and ramps: To promote accessibility, install ADA-compliant curbs and ramps in all directions. It’s not just good practice—it’s the law.
  • Painted stop bars: There should be painted stop bars for vehicles in all directions, which helps keep them away from the pedestrian area of the intersection.
  • Streetlights: Finally, your intersection needs streetlights on all four corners. This promotes visibility at night and during inclement weather.

Campbell pedestrian safety tools

At Signal Equipment Company South, we pride ourselves on offering the best tools to regulate traffic and keep your citizens safe. That’s why we offer Campbell pedestrian signal indicators, including their pushbutton series. These buttons use beacon communication to guide pedestrians—including hearing- and vision-impaired people—safely across the street.

The APS Beacon and Base Broadcast Unit (BBU) is one innovative solution. This pedestrian safety tool allows users to push a button when they wish to cross the street. The APS beacon sends a tone to a speaker in the pedestrian pushbutton box, which indicates when it’s safe to cross. This tool is able to broadcast several different tones, along with a “walk” command, audible countdown and more.

This unit also works with visual signals, so your citizenry is safe no matter what physical challenges they may have. It’s one of the most user-friendly ways to ensure everyone is able to walk safely across the streets.

Choosing the right pedestrian safety tools

If your municipality is upgrading its intersections, there are plenty of new innovations in pedestrian signal indicators you can incorporate. The team at Signal Equipment Company South is here to help educate you on the advantages, drawbacks and uses for each tool. Whether you need help deciding between products or you’d like to learn more about how to use them, our company can help. We have over 40 years of experience providing high-quality traffic and pedestrian signal equipment, so we’re sure to have the answers and products you need.

For more information about pedestrian safety, and how to accomplish that in your area, call us today.