How to Use a HAWK Beacon

Last Updated: December 12, 2022

A pedestrian hybrid beacon, more commonly called a HAWK (high-intensity activated crosswalk) beacon, allows for safe crossing at crosswalks away from intersections. HAWKs have become more commonplace across North America since the first HAWK was installed in Tuscon. Using a HAWK beacon is no more different than crossing at a traffic light for a pedestrian, but for cars it can be a slightly different experience.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

On Foot

1
Press the crosswalk button. This will activate the HAWK beacon. The crosswalk button may light up a solid red and/or announce "WAIT".
2
Observe the signal on the other side of the road. If the crosswalk button is not working and the stop hand is out on the other side, it is possible the HAWK beacon is not functioning. Cross with extreme caution and be prepared to move out of the way of oncoming traffic.

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3
Wait for the signal to display "WALK" or the white pedestrian icon. When that happens, it should be safe to cross. Make sure that you check for oncoming traffic before entering the crosswalk, since not everyone does a good job at following traffic rules.
4
Finish crossing when the countdown timer appears. If you see the countdown timer, you should not start crossing. However, make sure to get out of the way of traffic before the countdown timer reaches zero.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

In a Car

1
Be prepared to stop when the light flashes yellow. When the beacon flashes yellow, it means that someone has activated the button and traffic is about to be brought to a halt.
2
Stop if you can when the light illuminates solid yellow. If you are going too fast to stop, proceed through the crosswalk like you would if at a normal intersection.
3
Wait at the crosswalk when the light illuminates solid double red. This means the pedestrian has the right of way and is about to cross the crosswalk.
4
Proceed if the crosswalk is clear when the light blinks red. If coming up to a HAWK beacon in this state, treat it like a stop sign.
5
Continue through when the red light goes out and it is safe. This means that the pedestrian no longer has the right of way and should be out of the intersection.