We live in a fast-paced world, where someone is always rushing somewhere. This, in turn, immediately jeopardizes the safety of all road users, but especially pedestrians. Pedestrian-traffic-related crashes and fatalities are skyrocketing, and people are advocating for change. That is why the first HAWK light has been installed in Fresno County, hoping that the black, yellow, and red lights will not only help avoid traffic jams but also improve pedestrian safety. Discover more about this innovative light below.

Avoiding traffic jams and improving pedestrian safety

We are encouraged to live healthy lifestyles in today’s day and age, which entails opting for healthier transport forms, such as walking. However, U.S. pedestrians are facing increased risks of injuries and fatalities. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention analyzed data and found that approximately 20 pedestrian fatalities occur daily. It furthermore found that pedestrian traffic-related fatality increased by 80% between 2009 and 2023.

Fresno County, California, stands out from other regions, as it experiences serious pedestrian traffic-related crashes and fatalities frequently. According to Fresnoland, between 2018 and 2022, Fresno County experienced more than 127 pedestrian fatalities, dubbing the county as

“one of America’s most dangerous metros for walking and biking.”

This is quite concerning, especially considering the number of children who walk to school. Fresno County Supervisor Luis Chavez commented that pedestrian safety is the number one problem in the community. In an attempt to address this significant problem, the first HAWK light has been installed in Fresno County.

First HAWK light installed in Fresno County

A HAWK light, or “High Intensity Activated Crosswalk” light, has been installed near Herndon-Barstow Elementary at Grantland Avenue after parents advocated for changes to increase the visibility and safety of their children. The HAWK light is the first of its kind in that area in Fresno County, and its installation was funded by Central Unified, the county, and the city of Fresno.

According to Fresno County Sheriff’s Public Information Officer, Tony Botti, this HAWK light and crosswalk has been long overdue, as it was difficult to see due to cars passing on the right and not seeing the children and other pedestrians crossing. Hopefully, the new crosswalk and its HAWK light will be effective as the vertical crosswalks that force drivers to take a second look.

Understanding the black, yellow, and red

HAWK lights differ from typical crosswalk lights, and understanding the black, yellow, and red colors of the light will help avoid traffic jams and ensure the safety of pedestrians. The goal is to be safer and more efficient than a full signal at mid-block locations.

“This new crosswalk area is much more prominent. It’s going to be a lot easier for motorists to see that kids are actually crossing here.” –  Fresno County Sheriff Public Information Officer, Tony Botti

A HAWK light remains unlit (black) and inactive until someone pushes its button. As soon as the button is pressed, a sequence of lights follows, which includes:

Flashing yellow –  drivers must slow down
Solid yellow – drivers must prepare to stop
Solid red – drivers must stop
Flashing red – drivers must yield to remaining pedestrians and may proceed when safe

Once all pedestrians have crossed, the HAWK light returns to the inactive black state.

HAWK lights are highly effective on busy streets that do not have full intersections, and boost safety without causing unnecessary traffic jams. This is particularly vital, especially when roads tend to become more congested during high-demand periods, such as right before the start of a school day or at the end of a school day. Several other states are exploring ways to increase public safety, and one U.S. state has introduced a new “crosswalk” law that is tougher than ever!