BACKA GUIDE TO VEHICLE ACTIVATED WARNING SIGNS (VAWS)
12th April 2023
What are Vehicle Activated Warning Signs?
Vehicle Activated Warning Signs are a TSRGD compliant method for traffic calming and preventing collisions. They are designed for permanent use on public roads.
These devices consist of a large TSRGD compliant symbol featured in the centre, four amber wig-wag beacons in each corner and are usually accompanied by a “SLOW DOWN” message.
How do Vehicle Activated Warning Signs work?
In a battery-powered unit, a lead acid battery within the device feeds into a charge controller, providing power to the device. As a vehicle approaches the VAWS device, the integrated vehicle detection radar notifies the device’s control board. The control board will then then illuminate the LEDs in the sign.
The signs can be pre-configured with any required trigger speeds and settings.
Types of Vehicle Activated Warning Signs
Vehicle Activated Warning Sign
Featuring an eye-catching printed reflective TSRGD sign, four flashing amber beacons and a SLOW DOWN message in white LEDs. With a larger variation also available, the Vehicle Activated Warning Sign can also accommodate higher-speed roads.
Plug and Play
Intelligent Optical Lens
Data Collection
IOT compatible
6 Year Warranty
Full Matrix Activated Warning Sign
This sign features a full matrix LED panel, four flashing beacons and a large ‘SLOW DOWN’ message displayed in white LEDs. The Full Matrix Vehicle Activated Warning Sign allows for improved visibility without the development cost of individually punched hole designs.
VAS mode – The Matrix Vehicle Activated Warning Sign can be used in Vehicle Activated Speed sign mode when required.
Plug and Play
Intelligent Optical Lens
Data Collection
IOT compatible
6 Year Warranty
Reflective Activated Warning Sign
Fitted with an eye-catching, reflective TSRGD vinyl hazard sign and four flashing wig-wag beacons, the Reflective VAWS unit is designed to warn motorists of a specific upcoming hazard.
Unlike the other two models in our VAWS range, this one does not feature the “SLOW DOWN” message. In its place, further information regarding the upcoming hazard can be featured on the sign. For example, the number of yards until the hazard.
Plug and Play
Intelligent Optical Lens
Data Collection
IOT compatible
6 Year Warranty
What are the benefits of Vehicle Activated Warning Signs?
- Plug and play: once it’s up and programmed there’s no need to come back to the sign.
- Versatile: choose vinyl or screen option depending on your road application.
- Data Collection: Collect and evaluate traffic data to evaluate the effectiveness of the signs to implement the best traffic calming measures.
- Eye-Catching without Distraction: The corner flashing amber wig-wags grab the attention of motorists but are discreet enough not to cause dangerous distraction. Using reflective vinyl also means the signs can have a positive effect even when not triggered.
Where can you use these signs?
These signs can be used to warn motorists of a multitude of hazards, including:
- Sharp Bends
- Quarry Workings
- Queues Likely
- Uneven Road Surfaces
- Traffic Lights Ahead
- Children Crossing
By visually notifying motorists of upcoming hazards, these devices encourage vehicles to reduce speed, leading to a reduction in accidents and an increase in road safety.
