Crystal Lake installs new warning signal
Drivers who travel Ackman Road between Golf Course and Randall Roads in Crystal Lake should be aware that the city has installed a new signal, which designates a crossing for pedestrians and bicyclists.
The City of Crystal Lake's Traffic Safety Committee and McHenry County's Division of Transportation worked on the project together, installing a safety device known as ‘Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons’ to make the crossing safer. The beacons use LED lights that emit rapidly flashing wigwag lights to alert drivers that there are cyclists or pedestrians in the crosswalk.
RRFBs are not designed to control traffic; instead, they are safety devices that pedestrians activate themselves, by pushing a button when they want to cross the road. Once the lights begin to flash, pedestrians wait until they see a gap in traffic that gives them sufficient time to cross safely. They are urged to use caution when crossing, even with the RRFBs in place. State law gives pedestrians in the crosswalk the right of way, and drivers are expected to comply.
The installation is part of a long-term plan to make roads safer for all types of users. Crystal Lake officials might consider working with a flyer printing company on a mailer to residents, warning them to be on the lookout for the new crossing signal.
The City of Crystal Lake's Traffic Safety Committee and McHenry County's Division of Transportation worked on the project together, installing a safety device known as ‘Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons’ to make the crossing safer. The beacons use LED lights that emit rapidly flashing wigwag lights to alert drivers that there are cyclists or pedestrians in the crosswalk.
RRFBs are not designed to control traffic; instead, they are safety devices that pedestrians activate themselves, by pushing a button when they want to cross the road. Once the lights begin to flash, pedestrians wait until they see a gap in traffic that gives them sufficient time to cross safely. They are urged to use caution when crossing, even with the RRFBs in place. State law gives pedestrians in the crosswalk the right of way, and drivers are expected to comply.
The installation is part of a long-term plan to make roads safer for all types of users. Crystal Lake officials might consider working with a flyer printing company on a mailer to residents, warning them to be on the lookout for the new crossing signal.