The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) has installed a new ‘high intensity activated crosswalk’ (HAWK) beacon at a busy intersection on route 108. When the beacon is activated by pedestrians or cyclists, flashing lights warn approaching motorists to stop to allow them to cross the road. An advantage of the HAWK beacon is that it only stops traffic when it is activated in this way. The HAWK beacon not only prevents the unnecessary stopping of traffic at intersections, it has also been found to reduce traffic accidents involving pedestrians by 69%.
Caltrans installs HAWK pedestrian crosswalk signal
Rachelle Harry
Rachelle joined Traffic Technology International in early 2016 after having worked for an HR magazine and prior to that, as a freelance sub editor for various lifestyle consumer magazines. As deputy editor, she supports the editor in making each issue and updating the website. Outside of work, she enjoys tap dancing, playing the piano and video games, and eating spicy food.