When approaching a Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon with two solid red lights, you must:
Answers
Proceed with caution.
Come to a complete stop before proceeding with caution.
Slow and prepare to stop.
Come to a complete stop and yield to pedestrians.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
The correct answer is: Come to a complete stop and yield to pedestrians.
Explanation:
A Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon (PHB), also known as a HAWK (High-Intensity Activated Crosswalk) signal, is designed to improve pedestrian safety at uncontrolled intersections or midblock crossings. The beacon uses a combination of traffic signal lights to indicate when vehicles must stop and allow pedestrians to cross safely.
When approaching a Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon with two solid red lights, it means the signal is indicating that drivers must come to a complete stop and yield to pedestrians crossing or waiting to cross. This is because the solid red lights are equivalent to a traditional red traffic signal, requiring full compliance from motorists. Here’s why:
- Red Solid Lights: The two solid red lights signal that vehicles must stop, similar to a regular red traffic signal. The intent is to ensure drivers come to a complete stop to allow pedestrians to cross safely.
- Yielding to Pedestrians: The purpose of the PHB is to provide a safe crossing for pedestrians, especially in areas where there are no traffic signals. The solid red lights indicate that pedestrians may be crossing, so drivers must yield to pedestrians in the crosswalk before proceeding.
- Safety Considerations: The PHB is activated by pedestrians who press a button, signaling that they intend to cross. Once activated, the PHB will display flashing yellow lights, then solid red lights for drivers, signaling that the intersection is closed to vehicle traffic. The vehicle signal remains red until the pedestrian has safely crossed.
- Legal Requirements: Not yielding to pedestrians when the PHB is active and displaying red lights can lead to fines or penalties, depending on local traffic laws. Pedestrian safety is the priority at these signals.
In conclusion, when you approach a Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon with two solid red lights, you must come to a complete stop and yield to any pedestrians crossing or waiting to cross.