Frequently Asked Questions
Who is LightGuard Systems, Inc.?
LightGuard Systems, Inc. (LGS) is a traffic safety devices company located in Santa Rosa, California, since 1994. LGS has developed and currently sells a pedestrian crosswalk warning system referred to as the "LightGuard System™". This pedestrian crosswalk warning system is used to increase driver awareness at uncontrolled crosswalks.
Mr. Michael Harrison is the inventor of pedestrian crosswalk pedestrian warning system and the founder of LGS. He developed the concept after a friend was involved as a motorist in a fatal pedestrian accident. He is committed to a transportation system primarily focused on making streets safer for people.
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What is the LightGuard System?
The LightGuard System, sometimes referred to as the "Pedestrian Crosswalk System"™, or SMART Crosswalk™, alerts motorists that they are approaching an occupied crosswalk. The crosswalk is lined on each side with a series of unidirectional flashing amber warning signals using light emitting diode (LED) lights, encased in a durable housing and embedded in the roadway facing oncoming traffic from either side of a crosswalk. The pedestrian activated flashing lights are visible only to the approaching motorist as an advance warning that someone is in or near the marked crosswalk.
The LightGuard System is the only patented in-roadway warning signal crosswalk system available.
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Why is a Patent Important?
LightGuard Systems has secured its U.S. patent position in the components of the System as well as for the total System. No other company has developed such a comprehensive patent portfolio in LED technology for traffic components in the traffic industry.
Patents are of paramount importance in high-tech industries. Patents reflect that a technology is either new or has been significantly improved upon. We ensure that our ideas and technologies are well protected with patent management.
LGS' Patent Information
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Has the LightGuard System been Tested?
The LightGuard System is the only product on the market that has been independently and extensively tested for the pedestrian crosswalk application. The City of Santa Rosa, California, initiated the testing of the new concept in 1994. Subsequently, other locations in California have been tested. These locations include the California cities of Fort Bragg, Lafayette, Orinda, Petaluma, and Willits. The California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) and the University of North Carolina Highway Safety Research Center have sponsored studies of the experimental crosswalk warning system in California and Washington State. The results are found in the report entitled "An Evaluation of a Crosswalk Warning System Utilizing In-Pavement Flashing Lights" conducted by the Whitlock & Weinberger Transportation Inc. (W-Trans) (see Report)
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What are the Components of the LightGuard System?
The LightGuard System is comprised of the following major components:
- High output, amber LED modules housed in the in-roadway warning signals that provide the best visibility for motorists in bright sunlight and adverse weather conditions
- Flashing in-roadway-warning signals that are installed less than 1/2 in. above pavement and can be viewed from as far away as 1000 ft. to 1500 ft. from the crosswalk, even in bright light
- Manually activated pedestrian push-button system with LED activation indicators and/or automatic activation system
- Solar charged battery power supply option
- Enclosure built to UL50 and United States National Electronic Manufacturer's Association (NEMA) standards and contains the Power Control Unit (PCU) drive electronics
- Diamond shaped pedestrian symbol signs with embedded amber LED modules provide additional inidication to the approaching motorist that the LightGuard System is activated
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How Much Does the LightGuard System Cost?
The LightGuard System is available in various configurations; four-lane intersections to two-lane intersections as well as custom configurations. Equipment prices can range from $10,000.00 USD to $20,000.00 USD or more depending on the site configuration. Installation is simple and costs are extra. Our knowledegable LightGuard representatives are ready to assist you in acheiving the most cost-effective configuration for your application based on your needs.
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Is the LightGuard System Easy to Maintain?
Yes, the LightGuard System is easy to maintain. LED technology ensures long lamp life and power to the System is minimal. In-roadway warning signals are very durable and a snowplow resistant model is available. The in-roadway warning signals are easy to install and can be easily removed and reset for re-paving purposes. The in-roadway-warning signal is self-cleaning. The standard white bollards are made of sturdy aluminum, are easy to clean, and stand about three and half feet tall. They are clearly visible to both motorists and pedestrians. No extra cleaning maintenance of the System is required due to its unique design.
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Is the LightGuard System Easy to Install?
Yes, the System is easy to install. The System is a 12.5 volts DC system. Each base-plate requires only a one-inch (1 in.) depression in the roadway surface. Saw-cutting is at a minimum. Typical sawcutting requirements are one half inch (1/2 in.) wide and one and three quarters inch (1 3/4 in.) in depth using standard equipment for in-road electrical installations. Similar techniques are used to install traffic detector loop system.
The bollards can be placed to cover up to sixty feet (60 ft.) entrance zones. The foundation base of each bollard requires concrete and anchor "J" bolts. The diamond shaped pedestrian symbol signs with embedded amber LED modules, can be easily installed in the sidewalks using two inch (2 in.) galvanized poles meeting agency or city standards.
The Power Control Unit (PCU) enclosure can be either pole mounted or wall mounted. Power source is 110 to 230 volts AC, or solar powered.
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