Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who is LightGuard Systems, Inc.?
What is the LightGuard System?
What are the Components of the LightGuard System?
Why is a Patent Important?
Has the LightGuard System been Tested?
How much does the LightGuard System cost?
Is the LightGuard System Easy to Maintain?
Is the LightGuard System Easy to Install?
Who is LightGuard Systems®, Inc.?
LightGuard Systems, Inc. (LGS) is a traffic safety devices company located in Santa Rosa, California, since 1994. LGS has developed and currently sells a pedestrian crosswalk warning system referred to as the "LightGuard System™". This pedestrian crosswalk warning system is used to increase driver awareness at uncontrolled crosswalks.
Mr. Michael Harrison is the inventor of pedestrian crosswalk pedestrian warning system and the founder of LGS. He developed the concept after a friend was involved as a motorist in a fatal pedestrian accident. He is committed to a transportation system primarily focused on making streets safer for people.
What is the LightGuard System®?
The LightGuard System, sometimes referred to as the "Pedestrian Crosswalk System"™, or SMART Crosswalk™, alerts motorists that they are approaching an occupied crosswalk.
The crosswalk is lined on each side with a series of unidirectional flashing amber warning signals using light emitting diode (LED) lights, encased in a durable housing and embedded in the roadway facing oncoming traffic from either side of a crosswalk.
The pedestrian activated flashing lights are visible only to the approaching motorist as an advance warning that someone is in or near the marked crosswalk.
The LightGuard System is the only “patented and proven effective” in-roadway warning signal crosswalk system offered in the U.S. today.
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What are the Components of the LightGuard System®?
The LightGuard System is comprised of the following major components:
- High output, amber LED modules housed in extremely durable in-roadway warning signals that provide the best visibility of any product being used for motorists in bright sunlight and adverse weather conditions
- Flashing in-roadway-warning signals that are installed less than 1/2 in. above pavement to avoid debris build-up, and can be viewed from as far away as 1000 ft. to 1500 ft. from the crosswalk, even in bright light.
- Manually activated pedestrian push-button system with LED activation indicators and/or automatic activation system.
- Stand alone (Green) Solar charged battery power supply option with years of proven reliability and effectiveness standing behind them.
- Enclosure built to UL50 and United States National Electronic Manufacturer's Association (NEMA) standards and contains the Power Control Unit (PCU) drive electronics.
- Diamond shaped pedestrian symbol signs embedded with our most effective amber LED modules provide additional indication, interpretation and meaning to the approaching motorist that the LightGuard System is activated.
Why is a Patent Important?
LightGuard Systems has secured its U.S. “Utility Patent” position for the total System, and has patents pending on components/features of the system. No other company in crosswalk safety compares to such a comprehensive patent portfolio in LED technology.
Patents are of paramount importance in high-tech industries; they are a reward for innovation and should be respected. Patents reflect that a technology is either new or has been significantly improved upon. We ensure that our ideas and technologies are well protected with patent management.
Has the LightGuard System® been Tested?
The LightGuard System is the primary IRWL enhanced crosswalk system in the marketplace utilized for independent and extensive testing in pedestrian crosswalk application. Preliminary testing in 1994 was initiated by the City of Santa Rosa, California. Since then there have been numerous studies and reports issued, all leading to the same conclusion - these systems lead to a significant reduction in conflict between vehicular and pedestrian traffic.
How Much Does the LightGuard System® Cost?
The LightGuard System is available in various configurations; four-lane intersections to two-lane intersections as well as custom configurations. Equipment prices can range from $10,000.00 USD to $20,000.00 USD or more depending on the site configuration.
Installation is simple and costs are extra and will vary with configuration, etc. Our knowledgeable LightGuard representatives are ready to assist you in achieving the most cost-effective configuration for your application based on your needs.
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Is the LightGuard System® Easy to Maintain?
Yes, the LightGuard System is Easy to Maintain. LED technology ensures long lamp life and power to the System is minimal. In-roadway warning signals are very durable and a snowplow resistant model is available.
The in-roadway warning signals are easy to install and can be easily removed and reset for re-paving purposes. The in-roadway-warning signal light base plates are designed to be a self-Clearing Debris Free design.
The standard white bollards intended for easy recognition throughout the country to pedestrians for a safer place to cross are made of sturdy aluminum, are easy to clean, and stand about three and half feet tall. They are internally lit and clearly visible to both motorists and pedestrians.
No extra cleaning maintenance of the System is normally required due to its unique design.
Is the LightGuard System® Easy to Install?
Yes, the System is easy to install. The System is a 12.5 volts DC system. Each base-plate requires only a one-1/2inch (1.5 in.) depression in the roadway surface.
Roadway saw-cutting is at a minimum. Typical saw-cutting requirements are one half inch (1/2 in.) wide and one and three quarters inch (1 3/4 in.) in depth using standard equipment for in-road electrical installations. Similar techniques are used to install traffic detector loop systems.
The bollards can be placed and properly positioned to cover up to sixty feet (60 ft.) entrance zones. The foundation base of each bollard requires concrete and anchor "J" bolts.
The diamond shaped pedestrian symbol signs with embedded amber LED modules, can be easily installed in the sidewalks using two inch (2 in.) galvanized poles meeting agency or city standards.
The Power Control Unit (PCU) enclosure can be either pole mounted or wall mounted. Power source is 110 to 230 volts AC or stand alone (Green) solar powered.
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