Tashkent Launches Innovative Pedestrian Safety Pilot Project

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — A pilot project testing a fundamentally new pedestrian protection system for the republic's road infrastructure at unregulated intersections has launched in the capital's Mirzo-Ulugbek district. The pilot project was implemented by specialists on Osiyo Street.

According to the press service of the Center for Traffic Management (CTM), a high-tech complex based on international RRFB (Rectangular Rapid-Flashing Beacons) technology combined with upgraded active road signs has been deployed here in test mode.

The engineering concept of the new protective complex is designed to completely eliminate blind spots for drivers. The system is engineered to guarantee that a person behind the wheel notices the crosswalk from any lane and from any direction of travel.

The equipment is geared toward city streets with low to medium traffic intensity. Structurally, the complex consists of signal strobe beacons placed on the roadsides, in the center of the roadway, and on a high L-shaped crossbar over the road, similar to highway traffic lights. Support posts with tactile call buttons are mounted on both sides of the crossing.

The moment a pedestrian presses the button, ultra-bright yellow signal lamps are instantly activated on the upper structures. The "Pedestrian Crossing" sign itself is designed as a three-dimensional glowing box, ensuring excellent legibility at a great distance, especially in poor visibility conditions and at night.

The implementation of the RRFB approach draws on representative multi-year studies by the US Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). According to American statistics, drivers voluntarily yield to people at standard unregulated crosswalks in only 18% to 30% of cases.

However, after the integration of flashing beacons, this figure increases to 98%, effectively forcing drivers to smoothly stop the vehicle in nearly 100% of traffic situations.

In addition, due to the specific flashing frequency of the strobes, a driver notices the warning flash long before approaching the crossing and reacts four times faster, beginning a controlled reduction in speed.

According to representatives of the CTM, this pilot project will allow for a comprehensive practical assessment of the effectiveness of the American technology in the realities of Tashkent and help determine the feasibility of its further scaling.