COLUMBUS, Ind. — Motorists in Columbus will notice a new crosswalk signal on Lindsey Street in the vicinity of Mill Race Park. The HAWK signal is a High-intensity Activated crossWalK signal designed to enhance the safety of pedestrians crossing the street to enter or leave the park.
When a pedestrian presses a button on the signal pole, the lights above will flash yellow. Drivers on Lindsey Street should stop if it is safe. Next, the lights will change to red requiring drivers to stop. The pedestrian will be signaled to cross the street. After the walk time has expired the signals will flash red. At that point, motorists may proceed as long as there are no pedestrians in the roadway.
The HAWK signal was developed by the Arizona Department of Transportation in 2000 and was considered experimental until 2009. Data from the Federal Highway Administration shows the signals dramatically decrease pedestrian injuries.