Five ways to make night-time driving safer with SolarLite Active Road Studs. Active Road Stud White Paper

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1 Five ways to make night-time driving safer with SolarLite Active Road Studs Active Road Stud White Paper

2 While the number of road traffic accidents has been steadily declining since 2003, more than four fatalities are still occurring every day on average across the UK s road network. Worryingly, this trend has plateaued in recent years with the number of reported fatalities remaining around the 1,750 mark over the past four years ( ). Faced with tight budgets, road traffic engineers are challenged with the task of reducing the frequency and severity of road traffic accidents at the lowest possible capital cost. Driving at night presents additional challenges for motorists, from impaired visibility to fatigue and reduced visual acuity. While less than a third of all journeys are made at night, over two in five incidents involving fatalities occur during hours of darkness 1. The use of retro-reflective or passive studs has been firmly established for decades as a means of delineation, but these devices have several notable performance limitations. This white paper explores those drawbacks and evaluates the benefits of adaptive solutions that take account of the misjudgements and vulnerabilities of road users. It compares the performance of SolarLite Active Road Studs against conventional passive devices and demonstrates their effectiveness in improving overall safety and specifically reducing night-time road accidents. 1 UK Department for Transport, Reported Road Casualties in Great Britain, main results:

3 Road traffic accidents: contributory factors and traditional mitigation While no road is inherently dangerous, accidents often occur in clusters due to a combination of contributory factors. These may include: Road user decisions and actions, including speeding, failure to obey road signs, sudden braking, loss of control, poor manoeuvring Road layout or topography, e.g. inadequate road markings, a bend or hill Road environment, such as adverse weather or foliage overgrowth Speed reduction campaigns are often implemented along stretches of road notorious for being accident blackspots. While these can arguably be effective in raising driver awareness and calming traffic, they are not a panacea: the DfT s UK STATS19 data indicates that in only 23% of road accidents are attributable to injudicious action such as speeding. An average of more than four deaths occur daily on the UK s roads While there is an imperative to ensure that a road is designed to a consistent standard, this is not always possible due to physical or financial constraints. Hazardous stretches may be characterised by a combination of insufficient or non-existent street lighting, winding bends, sharp corners, rural location, bridges, barriers, shared paths or poor visibility. In such locations, road markings and delineation play an important part in a driver s ability to negotiate the road environment safely. 3

4 Retro-reflective studs: a short-sighted approach? Night-time road markings have traditionally relied almost exclusively on retro-reflective safety devices, commonly known as cats eyes, which have been in use since Incredibly the original design of stud using two glass beads is still widely in use, alongside newer styles utilising improved retro-reflective materials. However, retro-reflectivity alone has several limitations when it comes to accident prevention: Limited reach retro-reflective studs are only effective within the headlight beam of a road user s vehicle which, at optimum efficiency, is only typically 90 metres ahead Limited effectiveness adverse conditions, such as rain and fog that scatter reflected light, can drastically impair the visibility of retro-reflective white studs at night Limited reliability passive studs rely on headlight efficiency in order to perform optimally; but many UK motorists fail to replace faulty bulbs promptly, with at least one million vehicles estimated to have at least one non-functioning headlight 2 Limited lifespan the performance of retro-reflective studs tends to diminish over time (by up to 60% after months) due to ultraviolet light exposure, accumulation of dirt on the surface, and susceptibility to physical damage from vehicle impacts and foreign bodies. Newer technology, such as the SolarLIte Active Road Stud shown below, offers an opportunity for improvements in road safety. However, since most roadway improvements are funded by taxes, it is important that any such safety enhancements pay for themselves, directly or indirectly. Top 5 factors contributing to road traffic accidents 72% - driver/rider error or reaction (failed to look, judge other s path or speed) 25% - behaviour or inexperience (careless, reckless, in a hurry, inexperience) 23% - injudicious action (speeding, failure to observe or obey road markings) 13% - impairment or distraction (alcohol, drugs, fatigue) 12% - road environment (inadequate road markings, road layout, topgraphy) Source: DfT UK STATS19 database 2 Tescocars.com,

5 Five compelling advantages of SolarLite Active Road Studs over retro-reflective devices The innovative design of the SolarLite Active Road Stud offers a smart, safe, sustainable, proven and cost-effective alternative to traditional passive delineation. Available in a range of colour options including amber, red, white and green, they are suitable for all on- and off-highway delineation applications. Their five key advantages over retro-reflective studs are as follows: Smart Active delineation is provided by built in, ultra bright LEDs, which means the studs performance is not reliant on the efficiency of vehicle headlamps. These studs automatically detect ambient light levels and intelligently switch on between dusk and dawn, 365 nights a year. The flush-mounted F series and the surface-mounted S series are the only road studs of their kind fully approved by the Department for Transport (DfT). The low profile of the F series studs makes them motorcycle- and bicycle-friendly, and therefore also highly suited as way-markers for roads, as well as cycle lanes. The installation of the actively illuminated studs is a reassuring presence and an additional safety measure in areas where street lighting is absent, insufficient or in restricted use. Safe The SolarLite road studs increase forward illumination from the 90 metres achieved by retro-reflective studs to 900 metres. When driving at 100 kph (62 mph), the point in the road at the furthest extent of the headlight beam is reached in 3.2 seconds, presenting the driver with little opportunity to react to a hazard. With the additional visibility afforded by the projected light of the active studs, the driver s preview time is increased almost tenfold to 30 seconds. Unlike retro-reflective studs, the active studs remain highly discernible in conditions of reduced visibility such as fog, rain and surface spray. They provide valuable delineation on wet roads where white lines can be rendered almost invisible due to light being reflected off the surface. Benefits at a glance Smart highlights road hazards without relying on headlight illumination Safe 10x better visibility for drivers than traditional reflective studs and visible even in adverse weather Sustainable recharge using solar energy Cost-effective lower whole life cost than traditional passive studs, rapid ROI Proven demonstrable reduction in nighttime accidents of up to 72% A simulation study by the Transport Research Laboratory 3 found that the presence of actively illuminated studs resulted in better lane discipline evidenced by fewer instances of crossing the centre line reducing the likelihood of a head-on collision. Consistency of braking behaviour was also improved. In a qualitative study following the simulation, all participating drivers stated that the presence of the active studs made them feel safer and more in control while driving in night-time conditions. Remarkably, when this increase in confidence was evaluated against the quantitative data from the study, it became clear that this did not lead to an increase in speed. 3 Road Driver Behaviour in response to Actively Illuminated Road Studs,

6 Sustainable The built-in LEDs of the SolarLite Active Road Studs harness solar energy a free and renewable source of power. This makes the studs suitable for use on roads that are not on the electric grid. Just four hours of bright daylight are required to achieve a full charge, providing over 200 hours of capacity, regardless of weather conditions. The nickel hydride battery and charging circuits have been designed to maintain light outputs throughout a full annual cycle, for reliable, all-night, year-round performance. As a complementary safety measure where street lighting reduction schemes are in operation, active road studs result in measurably lower CO2 emissions an important consideration for local authorities looking to auditably reduce their carbon footprint as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility efforts. Cost-effective The annual cost to the UK economy of deaths and injuries on the roads currently stands at around 35.5 billion. Given the average cost of a single road traffic collision over 200,000 for a serious injury and over 1.9m for a fatality 4 the business case for active road studs may be entirely justified by the net savings arising from the prevention of a single accident. Whereas retro-reflective studs require regular maintenance and replacement, the SolarLite Active Road Studs are fully self-contained, making them extremely durable and maintenance-free. As the light source is flush with the road surface, dirt and debris are washed away rather than collecting on the surface, supporting both continuous performance and longevity. In fact, the SolarLite studs have a typical lifespan of ten years and a lower lifetime cost than the retro-reflective studs, which would typically need to be replaced multiple times in this same time period. The presence of actively illuminated studs results in: Better lane discipline Reduced likelihood of head on collision Improved consistency of braking behaviour Drivers feeling safer and more in control No corresponding increase in speed Source: Transport Research Laboratory Demonstrated to reduce road casualties by up to 72% They are highly suited to a number of complementary applications and are actively being installed as an additional safety measure on cycle networks and on highways where street lighting is insufficient or where streetlight reduction schemes are in operation for cost and environmental reasons. Proven There are currently over 100,000 SolarLite road studs installed in the UK alone. Deployed in over 500 locations representing all road classes from rural roads to motorways, their use has been demonstrated to reduce road casualties by up to 72%. The use cases that follow illustrate just some of the tangible road safety benefits that are already being achieved through their application: 4 Reported road casualties in Great Britain: main results 2015, Department for Transport,

7 Promoting safety and sustainability on the A4128 Client: Buckinghamshire County Council Challenge: This single carriageway, busy arterial route is used as an alternative to the A404 and A4010 and carries significant volumes of commuter traffic. It had been subject to a local safety scheme to improve night time and wet weather visibility, and was also included in a three-year streetlight reduction trial in which roadside lighting was switched off. Solution: SolarLite Active Road Studs were installed in 2006 over two nights. In addition to white centre line delineation, red carriageway edge studs were used to enhance severe bends, while green studs were installed at lay-by and farm entrances. Studs were also installed in a further 14 locations where street lighting had been switched off. Highways Magazine Excellence Awards 2011 winner: Road Marking Project of the Year There have been no reported night-time crashes since trial commencement in late Street lighting reduction has resulted in annual energy savings of 100,000, together with a reduction of 600 tonnes per annum in carbon emissions. This stretch of the A4128 was declared the year s most improved road in the Road Safety Foundation s EuroRap 2011 report. The route has moved from one of Britain s highest risk roads in to one of the safest in Fatal and serious crashes on this section were cut to zero in the latter period. Road Safety Foundation Simple Measure Saves Lives

8 A41 Chetwynd Active Road Studs Client: Jacobs on behalf of Telford & Wrekin Council Challenge: The A41 north of Telford, Shropshire running through Chetwynd is a notoriously dangerous stretch of road due to a staggered junction with few road markings, delineation or signage. This area of road has been highlighted as an accident blackspot due to vehicles frequently exceeding the 60mph speed limit and the area being prone to fog and the elements, impacting greatly on driver visibility especially in the hours of darkness. The staggered junction also contributed to making this a hazardous stretch of road as oncoming traffic did not have clear visibility of vehicles joining the carriageway in darkness. The road was creating a lot of local concerns on road safety. Solution: In February 2012, 105 Clearview Hardwired Intelligent Road Studs were installed along the roadside of the A41 carriageway and 200 SolarLite Flush Road Studs were installed in the centre of the road giving drivers clearer guidance and visibility of the road ahead for a distance of 900m. Highways Magazine Excellence Awards 2012 winner: Road Safety Scheme/ Project of the Year Two radar controlled Vehicle Activated Signs (VAS) were installed at either side of the connecting roads just before they joined the main A41 carriageway and if a vehicle were to exceed the speed limit on passing either of the VAS signs, they would flash Slow Down. The hardwired studs deployed as part of this system were programmed to constantly emit low level light during the hours of darkness, automatically changing to full brightness upon activation of the VAS signs, thus dramatically increasing the driver s visibility of the road ahead. This unique road safety system led to a reduction in the number of collisions on this section of the A41 carriageway. 8

9 SolarLite: the last word on active road safety The use of SolarLite Active Road Studs has been repeatedly and comprehensively proven to promote night-time road safety, outperforming passive equivalents by providing ten times greater visibility. The active studs are also a cost-effective replacement for the retro-reflective variety, with significantly reduced maintenance and typically up to a five times longer typical lifespan. Where used in streetlight reduction schemes, they deliver a rapid, measurable return on investment from substantial direct energy savings, while satisfying local authorities green agenda. As well as being smart, safe, sustainable, cost-effective and proven, the SolarLite SolarLite Active Road Studs offer a sixth, highly compelling benefit: social. Active illumination has been shown to improve driver behaviour and consequently calm traffic, leading to fewer accidents and avoiding the inevitable road closures and congestion that typically arise from a collision. Ultimately, accident prevention translates into fewer losses of life and limb, and a reduction in the human cost of family trauma, bereavement and breakdown which goes beyond monetary value. So while SolarLite active road studs make sound economic and practical sense for any road safety department, the social return on investment from their adoption is perhaps the most compelling benefit of all. SolarLite Road Studs, three times winner of the nationally recognised Highways Magazine Excellence Awards A41 - Road Safety Scheme of the Year 2012 A Road Marking Project of the Year 2011 A Road Marking Project of the Year

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