Jersey Shore Town Installs System, Changing The Way You Cross The Street
LONG BEACH TOWNSHIP, N.J. (CBS) -- The typical crosswalk routine is pretty standard for most cars and pedestrians. Long Beach officials are warning residents about a new system going into place that will change the process a little bit, allowing for cars to maximize time as they travel.
The new HAWK system has been installed at the southern end of North Beach, according to officials.
HAWK stands for "High Intensity Activated Crosswalk." Unlike most signals, which you may be used to," HAWK systems are not lit all the time. When none of the lights are lit, drivers are allowed to go.
During this time, the crosswalk will have the traditional open hand signal to let pedestrians know not to cross the street.
When a pedestrian hits the crosswalk button, the system lights up with flashing yellow, then it turns solid yellow. Then, like a traditional signal, it turns red.
Drivers will stop and at this point, pedestrians are alerted to cross. It will then switch to the hand signal, with the countdown clock to signify the time needed for pedestrians to clear the walk. During this time, the light will turn flashing red.
The flashing red means that vehicles can go as long as no pedestrians are in the crosswalk. It will then return to being off, allowing traffic to flow freely.
Long Beach officials shared the above video which explains how the system works for drivers and pedestrians.
