The Georgia Department of Transportation (DOT) has begun testing its Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon in Atlanta, designed to assist pedestrians safely cross busy streets.
The beacon is designed for busy roads. It allows pedestrians to activate an overhead signal to stop traffic.
When the beacon’s button is pressed, the button flashes yellow then displays a solid yellow. This warns drivers they must prepare to stop. Yellow is followed by solid double red requires drivers to stop and alternating flashing red signals. This requires motorists to stop.
Drivers are required to stay stopped until all pedestrians have crossed.
“Safety is the top priority for Georgia Department of Transportation and pedestrians are among of our most vulnerable road users,” District Engineer Kathy Zahul said. “We are using hybrid beacons more frequently in an effort to provide safer crossings at more frequent intervals, it is extremely important that drivers and pedestrians understand how they operate and use them properly.”
The signal will become fully operational Monday.
In 2015, in the United States, 5,376 pedestrians died in accidents. In Georgia, 193 pedestrians died, reflecting an 18.4 percent increase from 2014 and accounting for 13.5 percent of all motor vehicle fatalities.
The state created pedestrian safety programs to reduce injuries and fatalities.