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Difficulty: HardTraffic Light Signals

A motorist is driving along a roadway and approaches a mid-block Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon (HAWK signal). The overhead signal, which was previously displaying dual solid red lights, shifts into a phase where the two red lights flash in an alternating pattern. The pedestrian who activated the beacon has completely crossed the roadway and reached the far sidewalk, leaving the crosswalk entirely clear. What is the legally required action for the driver in this situation?

  1. Come to a complete stop at the stop line, confirm the crosswalk remains clear of pedestrians, and then proceed with caution.Answer
  2. B
    Slow down and proceed through the crosswalk without stopping, treating the signal as a standard flashing yellow warning light.
  3. C
    Maintain a full stop at the stop line until the beacon lights extinguish completely and the signal turns unlit.
  4. D
    Remain stopped until an authorized traffic officer signals for vehicles to proceed through the mid-block crosswalk.

Answer

The driver must bring the vehicle to a full stop at the stop line, yield to any pedestrians if present, and then proceed through the crosswalk once it is verified clear, even while the lights continue alternating in flashing red.
At a Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon, alternating flashing red lights function identical to a stop sign: drivers must come to a complete stop, check for pedestrians, and proceed when the crosswalk is clear.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the signal type and state.
The signal is a Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon displaying alternating flashing red lights.
Alternating red flashing lights indicate a transition phase following the steady solid red stop indication.
2
Determine legal stopping requirements.
Driver must bring the vehicle to a complete stop.
Any flashing red indication requires a mandatory full stop prior to entering the crosswalk or intersection.
3
Assess pedestrian right-of-way and roadway conditions.
Verify that all pedestrians have completely cleared the crosswalk.
Drivers must yield right-of-way to pedestrians within the crosswalk zone.
4
Execute the proceeding action.
Proceed safely through the crosswalk.
Once stopped and cleared of pedestrians, drivers are permitted to proceed during the alternating flashing red phase without waiting for the signal to go dark.

Key Concept

Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon (HAWK Signal) Alternating Flashing Red Operation
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Topics

Traffic Light Signals

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