Solar-powered flashing LED stop signs are designed to get the attention of distracted motorists.
That’s why Bartholomew County officials are a little baffled how two of these expensive signs could be struck by hit-and-run drivers — within just one week.
Signs that were hit were located at the junction of East 25th Street and County Road 500E in Petersville, as well as at the intersection of Marr Road and County Road 600N at the entrance to Armuth Acres, county highway engineer Danny Hollander said. Conventional stop signs have been temporarily put up to replace them, he said.
“Out of five lighted stop signs throughout the county, we’ve had two of them wiped out already,” County Commissioner Chairman Carl Lienhoop said.
While the highway department always knew these state-of-the-art signs would need occasional service, commissioner Larry Kleinhenz said he has no doubt they reduce accidents at the county’s most dangerous intersections.
On Monday, the Bartholomew County commissioners agreed to accept the lowest of three quotes to replace the two LED signs. The low quote of $2,350 to replace both signs was submitted by LED Lighting Solutions, LLC.
The state-of-the-art signs have been praised by local officials, safety experts and law enforcement administrators. According to the U.S. Federal Highway Administration, they are effective in getting drivers to slow down and stop, especially under low-light or low-visibility conditions.
But since each of these state-of-the art signs cost about $1,000 — nearly 17 times more than a conventional sign — county officials have been cautious about buying too many at once. In addition, the county highway department is still studying the life span of these solar powered stop signs, Hollander said.
These 30-inch flashing stop signs can also be found now at County Road 250E (Mineral Springs Road) and Southern Crossing, as well as County Road 550N at North Marr Road.
Since the two damaged LED stop signs were struck during hit-and-run mishaps, there are no police reports to indicate how the accidents happened. And without reports, insurance claims cannot be filed, Hollander said.
The highway engineer said he has no reason to believe that someone struck the LED stop signs intentionally. Lienhoop also said he prefers to give the unknown hit-and-run drivers “the benefit of the doubt” at this time.
Besides a vehicle slipping off the pavement, it’s also possible the illuminated signs were accidentally struck by trailers being pulled by trucks, Kleinhenz said.
During past safety discussions, rumble strips have often been brought up as a less-expensive way to warn drivers of an upcoming stop.
But the flashing LED lights on stop signs seem to work best at getting the attention of inattentive motorists, Bartholomew County Sheriff’s road division commander Capt. Dave Steinkoenig said last fall.
They also work well on those motorists who have driven several miles without stopping, or are unexpectedly hit by direct sunlight in their eyes, Steinkoenig said.
