New Pedestrian Features Installed in Daytona Beach to Improve Safety

Daytona Beach, Fla. With just the push of a button, crossing a busy stretch of International Speedway Boulevard (ISB) in Daytona Beach is now going to be safer thanks to the activation of new specialized pedestrian beacon.

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) recently completed the construction of pedestrian hybrid beacon, or PHB, at Highland Avenue and the entrance of Mainland High School on ISB. This beacon is the first of its kind to be installed in FDOT's District Five. In addition to the PHB, a new traffic signal and crosswalk with signalized pedestrian features were constructed at the intersection of ISB and Hilton Avenue /the Daytona State College main entrance. The project cost around $1.3 million.

PHBs are a special type of beacon used to help control traffic and keep pedestrians and bicyclists safe when crossing highways. Additional safety improvements included enhanced lighting to increase the visibility of pedestrians at each crossing.

As this area of U.S. 92 experiences a high volume of pedestrian and vehicle traffic, the Department evaluated the potential need for pedestrian safety improvements in this location. After analyzing the information collected, it was recommended that a PHB be installed to better assist pedestrians in the area.

PHBs are shown to reduce pedestrian crashes and increase the compliance rate of drivers stopping for a pedestrian. According to a Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) study published in 2010, PHBs can reduce crashes involving pedestrians by 69 percent and total crashes by 29 percent. Because the beacons stay dark until activated, they help increase the awareness of drivers to stop for pedestrians and help reduce rear-end collisions.

Motorists can expect to see more PHBs being built throughout the Central Florida region. FDOT is currently completing construction of three PHB's in Orlando on South Orange Blossom Trail and another is planned for construction this year on U.S. 17-92 in Sanford just south of Airport Boulevard.

How do PHBs work?
PHBs stay dark until activated. When a pedestrian presses the push-to-walk button, the overhead beacons will begin to flash yellow. The flashing yellow serves as a warning to motorists that the beacon has been activated and someone will be using the crosswalk.

These are then followed by solid yellow lights and then solid red lights that signal motorists to come to a complete stop.

Subsequently, pedestrians will receive a "Walk" signal followed by a flashing countdown that shows how much time is left to cross. During the flashing countdown, drivers will see red flashing lights that should be treated like a stop sign, meaning cars should stop, then proceed through the crosswalk only when it is completely clear.

Once the PHB cycle is finished, drivers will see the beacons go dark and pedestrians will have a "Don't Walk" signal. Vehicles can then proceed with caution.

To learn more on how to use PHBs including a video, visit: https://alerttodayflorida.com/Campaign/PedestrianHybridBeacons.

Media inquiries should be directed to the FDOT Communications Office at FDOT-D5COMM@dot.state.fl.us or by phone at 386-943-5593.

FDOT urges all drivers to stay alert and use caution while driving through or near construction zones. When driving, walking, or bicycling, remember to pay attention and follow the rules. Safety doesn't happen by accident.

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