Audible Alert Systems: My research showed 8 municipalities had or have
installed audible alert systems. Some were no longer in operation. Some
systems gave a verbal warning on turning (Portland's, for example, has a
woman's voice saying the bus is turning). Others were combined with a
flashing light (Cleveland's, for example, formerly used a beeping sound,
now replaced by an audible voice warning, and a strobe light).
My primary problem with any such warning systems is the lack of systematic
research demonstrating their effectiveness. The only bus system to collect
and provide data on the effectiveness of a beeping system was the Greater
Cleveland Regional Transit Authority, and that did not establish the
effectiveness of the system due to an inadequate research design and a
switch from the beeps to voice warning system. Cleveland implemented
"safety culture" changes over a five-year period, including extensive
training of bus drivers in safe turn practices ("second glance, second
chance", coaching and enforcement, Union actions, Safety Stand-downs, data
analysis, prohibitions on cell phone use). Also, Cleveland switched from a
beeping sound to a talking bus. Cleveland did not attempt to separate out
the impact of the audible alert from the other safety enhancements, so that
the Cleveland results may not be interpreted as supporting the
effectiveness of one type of safety improvement over all the others, but
instead show the effect of all the improvements. Although Cleveland's data
showed bus collisions with Pedestrians and bicyclists resulted in a large
reduction in collisions over the five year period, the results therefore
cannot be attributed to their beeping system. In addition, it is notable
that Cleveland replaced the beeping system with an external voice warning
on turning. The reasons for the switch were not provided in the article
available, but bus collisions with bicyclists and peds fell dramatically
after the switch, indicating the voice warning is more effective than the
beeping.
Madison Metro is foisting upon us an experiment that only adds to the urban
noise environment, annoys many people, and which has not been established
is effective in reducing bus collisions with pedestrians and bicyclists.
The experiment should be discontinued promptly until its effectiveness is
established beyond a reasonable doubt. Instead, Metro should implement a
comprehensive package of "safety culture" reforms similar to Cleveland's.
Since the external warning voice seems to be effective, they should switch
to that instead of a beeping sound.
On Sat, Jun 13, 2015 at 9:33 AM, India Viola <[email protected]> wrote:
> Below is a message from the SASYNA listserve
> -------------------------------------------------------------------
> Metro Audible Turn Signals - feedback solicitation from Metro
> <https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/SASYNA-Discussions/conversations/topics/20006;_ylc=X3oDMTJxcDA1ajUwBF9TAzk3MzU5NzE1BGdycElkAzUxNTc2MwRncnBzcElkAzE3MDUwNDQ1NjEEbXNnSWQDMjAwMDYEc2VjA2Rtc2cEc2xrA3Ztc2cEc3RpbWUDMTQzNDE4NzI1MQ-->
> Fri Jun 12, 2015 8:32 am (PDT) . Posted by:"Allison Smith
> <[email protected]?subject=Re%3A%20Metro%20Audible%20Turn%20Signals%20-%20feedback%20solicitation%20from%20Metro>
> "
> *Hi everyone - *
>
> *Metro is finally soliciting public feedback specifically on its audible
> turn signals. W**ould you please forward this to lists that you are on, or
> people that you think are interested in this issue? It's very important if
> you care about this issue, to send them feedback. *
>
> *Based on Wednesday's public meeting, I think that Metro is fairly
> invested
> in keeping this system in place, despite the number of individuals who have
> testified, called or written them arguing that it is an annoyance and a
> public health issue. *
>
> *I've seen a number of letters to the editor, etc., favoring the retention
> of it for various reasons, which will bolster their public safety argument.
> FYI, the city solicitor has stated that Metro is exempt from the Madison
> City Noise ordinance, because this audible turn signal is considered by
> them to be a public safety measure, even though there is no data or proof
> that the system works to prevent accidents. I'm pasting in one such
> message, that my alder sent me this morning (it was distributed to all the
> alders).*
>
> *So, please distribute broadly, and send Metro and/or your alder a
> message.*
>
> *Thank you -*
>
> *Allison Smith*
>
> General Information
> Name: Richard Schifreen
> City: Madison
>
> Message:
> I've been reading about the controversy surrounding the use of the sound
> alerts on Madison Metro buses. I am a bicycle commuter that rides a route
> between High Point Estates and campus. I find the sound alerts to be a
> valuable safety enhancement to the Metro buses. It is impossible to be
> looking in every direction, especially when there is significant traffic,
> pedestrians or roadwork. The sound alerts enable me to be aware of
> potential hazards outside my field of vision. It is an important element of
> safe riding for me and I urge you to support their continued use. Thanks!
>
> Recipient:
> Barbara Harrington-McKinney
>
> *_________________________________________________________*
>
> *Audible Turn Signals on Metro's Fixed-Route Fleet*
>
> As part of its continuous efforts to improve safety, Metro has installed
> audible turn signals on buses.
>
> When signaling a turn in traffic or pulling into a stop, buses make an
> audible chirp. These audible chirps are part of a number of safety
> improvements Metro has made throughout the past few years in response to
> serious accidents and near accidents that have occurred.
>
> It is also part of Metro’s new *Safe Streets
> <http://www.cityofmadison.com/metro/safestreets/> *safety initiative which
> encourages everyone in the community to do their part and share the streets
> safely.
>
> These chirps also alert people standing at stops that the bus is pulling
> in. This is to prevent those that might not be paying attention from
> stepping towards the bus or from being hit by mirrors while standing near
> the curb.
>
> Audible turn signals are also in response to “close calls” Metro drivers
> frequently experience with pedestrians, bicyclists, and skate boarders.
> Metro has seen these incidents increase through recent years as electronic
> distractions have become more of an issue.
>
> Based on passenger feedback, driver comments, and feedback from the general
> public, staff experimented with the placement and volume of the chirps.
> Once a good combination was found, equipment was added to the rest of the
> Metro fleet.
>
> To provide feedback on the audible turn signals, visit *
> mymetrobus.com/feedback
> <http://www.cityofmadison.com/metro/feedback>*, email
> [email protected], or call (608)-266-4466.
>
> _______________________________________________
> Bikies mailing list
> [email protected]
> http://lists.danenet.org/listinfo.cgi/bikies-danenet.org
>
>
_______________________________________________
Bikies mailing list
[email protected]
http://lists.danenet.org/listinfo.cgi/bikies-danenet.org
