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Traffic Signal Enhancement (TSE)™
US Utility Patent Number 6,597,293 B1
Proactive Solution to "RED LIGHT RUNNING"
Increasing motorist compliance
Traffic Signal Enhancement (TSE)™ is used at signal intersections where red light running tends to be problematic with high levels of injuries and accidents.
TSE™ OPERATION AT INTERSECTION
Northbound View Warning Light Phase
In December 1999 the California Traffic Control Devices Committee (CTCDC) approved the use of LED lights across the north/south stop lines on Disneyland Drive on an experimental bases. The study intersection, known as the Southwest Intersection, is located in the midst of the Disneyland Resort along Disneyland Drive north of Katella Avenue.
TSE™ OPERATION AT INTERSECTION
Northbound View Red Stop Light Phase
The intersection is of particular concern from a safety standpoint since north/south motorists seemed to be having difficulty focusing on the presence of the traffic signal.
Violations of the stop line were common and there was an abnormally high instance of north/south red light violations.
The installation included five LED units across the stop lines facing both northbound and southbound traffic. The units were placed toward the median, toward the right curb, along the center line separating the two lanes of travel and toward the center of each lane. In this way, the tires of most vehicles would pass through the row of LED units without driving over one.
The LED lights are dark when the traffic signal phase is green for north/south traffic. The lights flash yellow when the traffic signal turns amber for north/south traffic, and the LED lights turn and remain a solid red indication during the north/south red phase.
The number of accidents at this site before the TSE system was installed were 7 accidents and one fatality within a 2 year period. After the systems was install there were ZERO accident in the following 2 years that incidents were tracked — impressive results.
The "Pro-Active" Approach
The TSE™ is a “pro-active” approach to reducing red light running, as opposed to the reactive camera punishment after "running the light." However the two systems together can work “hand in hand” to increase compliance at signalized intersections.
Currently the TSE™ approach is considered "experimental." We are in fact seeking cities interested in further experimenting and developing concept analysis which will lead ultimately to Traffic Signal Enhancement's inclusion into the MUTCD as a standard practice.
The TSE system utilizes the Smart Crosswalk™ signaling system with bicolored amber/red In-Roadway Warning Lights (IRWL). The in-pavement signal modules are placed at the center of each lane facing the approaching motorist. They are synchronized to mirror the amber and red phase of the traffic signal.
Increase In Compliance
This has proven to increase compliance in stopping by an astonishing 70 percent! Motorists were also observed increasing the distance from the stop bar, and stop bar incursions were reduced.
In the “before” condition, 31% of the lead vehicles in the queue crossed the stop line before coming to a complete stop. Data showed that the number of vehicles crossing the stop line decreased to 25% of the total observations. The In-road LED lights appear to be effective at holding the through vehicles behind the
stop line.
Right Turn Conflict
Our novel "Parallel Pedestrian Warning™" for right turn conflict feature could thwart many incidents. When the pedestrian "call button" is pressed for crossing, right-turning vehicular traffic will encounter a flashing amber in-pavement signal light in the right turn lane. This alerts the motorist to the potential pedestrian crossing traffic on a green light.
Thousands of "right turn" motorist-pedestrian accidents occur annually leading to injuries and deaths and millions in medical costs that may be avoided.
Studies of Traffic Signal Enhancement (TSE™) "Red Light Running" Solutions:
- Summary Report "Before And After" Data Results Stop Line LED Lights Experimental Traffic Control Device Application - Southwest Intersection, Anaheim, California June 2002 ⇒ For Study See PDF
- Mid-Block Pedestrian Crosswalk, Traffic Engineering Study - The purpose of this study is to test the use of in-pavement signal lights installed at the stop bar of a pedestrian-actuated signalized, mid-block crosswalk. This crosswalk is located on West Alabama Street in the Uptown District of Houston, Texas. Study was conducted in June of 2003. ⇒ For Summary Study See PDF
⇒ For Complete Study See PDF
Warranty and Maintenance
LightGuard Systems™ offers a three year conditional warranty on its in-pavement signal module components. These systems operate on DC current and can be solar powered.
When required, maintenance on our signal heads is simple. There are four bolts to remove and a plug to disconnect. A malfunctioning signal head can be replaced in a few minutes. Each generation of signal head is designed to retro-fit back into older systems.
Our company provides a staff of highly trained individuals who have extensive experience with specialized LED enhanced systems. Our systems solutions and resulting customer satisfaction bring repeat business. Clients report that our customer service is excellent. They appreciate our prompt response and friendly, professional manner.
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