A few weeks ago I wrote a blog post entitled "Stop and Go in the Post-Disaster Environment". I proposed the FoxFury Nomad Prime lights as a viable option for creating safer intersections in the post-disaster environment. We determined that a 4 -way intersection could be set up in under one minute and, as promised, we were able to get some video as proof of concept. We will be creating one more video on this subject in the next week or so.
If you have not read the previous blog, this will make no sense to you, so CLICK HERE and then return to this spot to watch the video.
More than 50 percent of the combined total of fatal and injury crashes occur at or near intersections. Now place that intersection in the midst of post-disaster chaos and a power outage!
The following information complies with the Manual on Uniform Traffic Devices (MUTCD).
Despite the fact that FoxFury traffic signal system has been created for the post-disaster environment, there are still some rules you will need to follow as you place your lights.
The RED FLASHING light should not be used for speed control.
The RED FLASHING lights should be placed in a manner that minimizes the number of vehicles having to stop at one time. Ask yourself, am I trying to stop the flow or slow the flow of traffic? Consideration should be given to using less restrictive RED FLASHING lights and using YELLOW FLASHING lights.
Once the decision has been made to install any two-way stop control, the decision regarding the appropriate street to stop should be based on your individual situation. In most cases, the street carrying the lowest volume of traffic should be stopped, however this may not apply in the post-disaster environment.
When placing your lights, make sure they are at least 2 feet from the curb. When using the Nomad Primes, use two of the legs of the light as a guide to make sure you are two feet from the curb (see figure A).
If you are in a rural area or on a road with no curb, you will want to place your light at least 6 feet from the edge of the road or pavement (see figure B).
Placement of the light is to be at either the stop line or 4 feet in advance of a crosswalk. If there is neither a stop line nor a crosswalk the sign should be placed where traffic can stop and clearly see both directions before entering the intersection, and no greater than 50 feet from the intersection.
Your lights should be installed at a minimum of 7-feet tall measured from the road. Using the Nomad Prime, you do not have to guess at this measurement, simply deploy the light at its full height.
Because the potential for conflicting commands could create driver confusion, your lights should NOT be installed in conjunction with stop or yield signs.
Where two roads intersect at an acute angle, the STOP sign should be positioned at an angle, or shielded, so that the legend is out of view of traffic to which it does not apply.
Remember that flashing signal indications shall have the following meanings:
Flashing yellow—When a yellow lens is illuminated with rapid intermittent flashes, vehicular traffic is permitted to proceed through the intersection or past such signal indication only with caution.
Flashing red—When a red lens is illuminated with rapid intermittent flashes, vehicular traffic shall stop at a clearly marked stop line; but if there is no stop line, traffic shall stop before entering the crosswalk on the near side of the intersection; or if there is no crosswalk, at the point nearest the intersecting roadway where the driver has a view of approaching traffic on the intersecting roadway before entering the intersection. The right to proceed shall be subject to the rules applicable after making a stop at a STOP sign.
We recommend that you acquire a solar charger or form of electrical generation to enable your lights to operate 24 hours a day. Your Nomad Primes will operate in FLASHING MODE for 9 hours on a single charge.
When lights are not in use but are being left at their “installed location”, MUTCD dictates that the head of the light be covered with a dark bag or that the light be lowered so that the light head in inside of the casing and cannot be seen by drivers approaching the intersection.
Your FoxFury kit is considered a temporary traffic control system the use of which should not negate efforts to restore the original permanent traffic signals as soon as possible. These lights should be moved as soon as possible. Lights should be used in a flashing mode when not being used if it will be operated in steady mode (non-flashing) within 5 working days otherwise it should be removed. If the light is not in use and cannot be moved or you intend to utilize the light again, the signal head must be covered.
A temporary traffic control signal should be used only if an emergency management or law enforcement judgment indicates that installing the signal will improve the overall safety and/or operation of the location. The use of temporary traffic control signals by a work crew on a regular basis in their work area should be subject to the approval of the jurisdiction having authority over the roadway.
A temporary traffic control signal should not operate longer than 30 days unless associated with a longer-term temporary traffic control zone project.
If you are even thinking about how this may assist you in your response efforts, please reach out via Linkedin and let me know. I would love to discuss this with you.
Comments