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Difficulty: HardPedestrian and Vulnerable Road User Laws

You are driving on a multi-lane roadway equipped with a Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon (HAWK signal). As you approach, the signal transitions from a solid red light to alternating flashing red lights. A pedestrian who was crossing has fully stepped onto the far side of a raised center divider island, leaving your side of the roadway completely clear. Which of the following describes your legal obligation before proceeding?

  1. Come to a complete stop at the stop line, check that your side of the roadway is clear of pedestrians, and proceed with caution while the signal continues to flash red.Answer
  2. B
    Maintain a continuous complete stop at the stop line until the flashing red lights turn off completely, even if no pedestrians remain in the crosswalk.
  3. C
    Slow down and yield to oncoming traffic without bringing your vehicle to a complete stop, treating the flashing red light as a warning signal.
  4. D
    Execute a lane change around any stopped vehicles ahead without stopping at the line, provided the pedestrian has reached the center median.

Answer

Drivers must bring their vehicle to a complete stop at the stop line during the alternating flashing red phase of a Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon. After stopping and ensuring that no pedestrians are in or entering their side of the roadway, drivers may proceed with caution while the signal continues to flash red.
Under statutory traffic rules governing Pedestrian Hybrid Beacons, the solid red phase mandates a complete stop and hold. However, when the beacon transitions to alternating flashing red lights, drivers must stop at the stop line, yield the right-of-way to any pedestrians in or approaching their side of the street, and may then proceed with caution if the roadway is clear.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the meaning of the signal phase.
The alternating flashing red lights indicate a stop-and-proceed requirement similar to an emergency vehicle signal or a stop sign.
Traffic laws dictate that a solid red Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon requires a stop and hold, whereas a flashing red beacon permits proceeding after stopping if safe.
2
Determine the required vehicle action at the stop line.
The driver must bring the vehicle to a full and complete stop before the marked crosswalk or stop line.
A flashing red indication mandates a full stop prior to entering the intersection or pedestrian crossing zone.
3
Assess pedestrian right-of-way conditions.
Verify that no pedestrians remain on the driver's side of the roadway or in conflict with the vehicle's path.
Pedestrians have right-of-way in marked crosswalks; once clear of the travel lanes on the driver's side, safe movement can resume.

Key Concept

Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon (HAWK Signal) Rules during Flashing Red Phase
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Topics

Pedestrian and Vulnerable Road User Laws

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