To increase pedestrian safety at school crossing locations, the City of Tucson developed a traffic signal called the HAWK (High-intensity Activated crossWalk). The HAWK uses traditional traffic and pedestrian signal heads but in a different configuration. It includes a sign instructing motorists to “stop on red” and a “pedestrians” overhead sign. There is also a sign informing pedestrians on how to cross the street safely.
When not activated, the signal is blanked out. The HAWK signal is activated by a pedestrian push button. The overhead signal begins flashing yellow and then solid yellow, advising drivers to prepare to stop. The signal then displays a solid red and shows the pedestrian a “Walk” indication. Finally, an alternating flashing red signal indicates that motorists may proceed when safe, after coming to a full stop. The pedestrian is shown a flashing “Don’t Walk” with a countdown indicating the time left to cross.
In 2004, the Tucson Department of Transportation installed five HAWK signals around the city and there are currently over 40 in operation. The special signals were placed at intersections where there were frequent crashes with pedestrians including streets near a university, a shopping center and a high school. The HAWK pedestrian crossing signals have greatly improved pedestrian safety in Tucson. The device substantially improves motorist stopping behavior, as compared to the use of flashing overhead school signs. The technology has been so successful that the Federal Highway Administration visited Tucson to look at the crossings and see how well they might work in other cities. Tucson has asked the FHWA for approval to include the HAWK for optional in the MUTCD.
For more information, visit the Tucson DOT website.