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Difficulty: MediumPedestrian and Bicycle Signals and Markings

A driver is traveling along an urban roadway toward a marked crosswalk equipped with a Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon (HAWK signal). As the vehicle approaches the crosswalk, all signal heads on the beacon are completely dark and unlit. What action is the driver legally required to take?

  1. Proceed at the legal speed limit without stopping, unless pedestrians are present in or entering the crosswalkAnswer
  2. B
    Come to a complete stop at the stop line and treat the unlit beacon as a mandatory four-way stop sign before proceeding
  3. C
    Stop at the crosswalk line and wait until the signal head displays a solid green light before driving through
  4. D
    Slow to a complete stop and flash headlights to notify pedestrians that it is safe to activate the signal

Answer

The driver should proceed at the legal speed limit without stopping, provided no pedestrians are crossing or preparing to cross.
A Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon (HAWK signal) remains completely unlit/dark when inactive. In this resting state, drivers are permitted to proceed through the crosswalk at the posted speed limit without stopping, provided the crosswalk is clear of pedestrians.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the signal type and current display state
The device is a Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon (HAWK signal) in a dark (unlit) state.
Understanding the default resting phase of a Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon is necessary to determine driver right-of-way.
2
Recall the legal rule for an unlit Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon
Unlike standard traffic lights which require a stop when dark due to power failure, a HAWK beacon is normally dark when inactive.
Pedestrian Hybrid Beacons only illuminate upon pedestrian activation (flashing yellow → solid yellow → solid red → alternating flashing red).
3
Determine required driver action
Proceed through the crosswalk normally while watching for pedestrians.
No stop is required for a dark HAWK signal unless pedestrians are physically present in the roadway.

Key Concept

Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon (HAWK Signal) Operation and Resting States
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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Topics

Pedestrian and Bicycle Signals and Markings

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