It is not easy being a pedestrian in New Jersey. Even though motorists are required to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks by law, most pedestrians know that, in practice, this will not always be the case. This problem is especially evident at midblock crossings and other uncontrolled locations. These locations are a peril to pedestrians, but often fail to meet federal engineering standards established for full traffic signals.

 

New pedestrian safety technologies are under consideration by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) which publishes the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD). The manual contains national design, application, and placement standards, as well as guidance, options, and support provisions, for traffic control devices. The purpose of the MUTCD is to establish uniformity for these devices (which include signs, signals, and pavement markings) to promote highway safety.

 

The FHWA is finalizing a revised version of the MUTCD to be published this year. Two new technologies being considered for the revised MUTCD --High intensity activated crosswalk (“HAWK”) Beacon Signals and Rapid Rectangular Flashing Beacons (RRFB)-- may offer help for pedestrians at midblock crossings and other uncontrolled locations where full traffic signals may not be warranted.

What is a Hawk Signal?    

  
HAWK is a pedestrian-activated technology in which traditional traffic and pedestrian signal heads have been placed in a new configuration. In addition to signal heads, HAWK carries a “pedestrian crossing” overhead sign and can flash instructions to motorists to “stop on red.” When activated by a pedestrian push button, the signal flashes yellow for several seconds before changing to solid yellow.  Following the solid yellow, two red indications illuminate and the pedestrian signal displays a WALK indication. As the WALK phase ends, a flashing red signal alerts drivers that they may proceed when safe, after coming to a complete stop. A corresponding pedestrian signal flashes “DON’T WALK.” When not activated, the HAWK signal indications are dark and the pedestrian signal displays a solid “DON'T WALK.”  

 

HAWK Signals in use

In 2004, the city of Tucson, Arizona installed five HAWK signals at various locations and has since installed over 35 more. The signals were placed at high-accident pedestrian intersections near a university, a shopping center, and a high school. Tucson reports that the HAWK signals have greatly improved pedestrian safety. The device substantially improves driver stopping behavior when compared to the use of flashing overhead school