Citation

IMSA J. 2000; 38(2): 2 p..

Copyright

(Copyright © 2000, International Municipal Signal Association)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Flashing beacons (commonly called flashers or flashing lights) are frequently requested by communities in the belief that they will reduce vehicle speeds. Unfortunately, this is not necessarily always the case. This article discusses the extent to which flashing beacons installed at intersections, or in conjunction with a warning sign in advance of an area requiring greater than normal care by the average driver, actually slows the surrounding traffic and thereby helps increase road safety. Those factors that must be considered when making the decision to install flashing beacons, as well as situations when the use of flashers may detract from road safety, are also discussed.