HAWK: high-intensity, activated cross walk

"HAWK" stands for High-Intensity, Activated Cross Walk, a new pedestrian crossing signal proves to increase safety for pedestrians.

Proper HAWK Usage

To the pedestrian, the HAWK signal is very much like a standard signalized crosswalk. The pedestrian activates the HAWK by pushing the button on the pole and waits for the walk signal to appear before crossing. Pedestrians should look to ensure all traffic has stopped. During the countdown sequence, the HAWK will begin flashing red; motorists must stop at the stop bar, then may proceed once all pedestrians have cleared all lanes of the roadway.This gives the pedestrian a protected phase to start crossing the roadway, but also helps keep traffic moving when the pedestrian has crossed. The HAWK will go dark when the walk cycle is finished.

For drivers, the HAWK cycles through: flashing yellow, solid yellow, solid red, and flashing red, before returning to dark. When the HAWK is activated by a pedestrian, the signal starts flashing yellow to alert drivers. After a few seconds, it turns to solid yellow followed by solid red. Drivers must come to a complete stop at the stop bar during solid red. After several seconds, the HAWK signal will begin flashing red. During this time, each driver must stop and then proceed through the intersection once pedestrians have cleared all lanes of the roadway. When the walk cycle finishes, the HAWK returns to dark. When the HAWK signal is inactive, drivers may proceed through the intersection. Drivers must always obey the posted speed limit and yield to pedestrians.

WHAT IS A "HAWK" SIGNAL?	WHAT DRIVER'S SEE / DO		WHAT PEDESTRIANS SEE / DO
“HAWK” stands for High-Intensity Activated Cross Walk, a new pedestrian crossing signal proven to increase safety for pedestrians.	SEE THIS...	DO THIS...	SEE THIS...	DO THIS...
When not in use, the traffic signal is dark, and a solid raised hand indicates DON’T WALK (raised hand).		Proceed with caution.		Push the button to cross
When a pedestrian pushes the button, the traffic signal flashes yellow for several seconds.		Slow down, prepare to stop. Pedestrian has activated the push button.		Wait.
After the flashing yellow interval, the traffic signal displays a solid yellow to give motorists enough time to stop.		Stop if safe to do so.		Continue waiting.
After the solid yellow interval, the traffic signal is solid red, and the pedestrian signal displays a WALK (walking person symbol), indicating that pedestrians are allowed to cross the street.		Stop.		Start crossing.
The traffic signal then flashes alternate red, and the pedestrian signal flashes DON’T WALK. Drivers may proceed after stopping if there are no pedestrians in the crosswalk.		Stop. Then proceed with caution if clear.		Continue crossing. If walking, continue. those who have yet to step off of the curb, do not start.
After the flashing DON’T WALK the traffic signal is dark again and the pedestrian signal indication is a raised hand (DON’T WALK) until the next pedestrian pushes the button.		Proceed with caution.		Push the button to cross.