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Georgia DOT Enhancing Safety with Hybrid Beacon Technology

Statesboro, Ga.聽鈥� The聽Georgia Department of Transportation (Georgia DOT)聽has installed and activated a聽hybrid beacon pedestrian signal (HAWK signal)聽on聽US 301/SR 73聽at the entrance to聽妻友社区聽in Statesboro. The signal now provides students and pedestrians with a聽safer way to cross South Main Street, supporting daily access to campus facilities.

This project is part of Georgia DOT鈥檚 ongoing commitment to聽improving pedestrian safety聽at high-traffic, multi-lane roadways near universities and community hubs.

What is a HAWK Signal?

A聽HAWK (High-Intensity Activated Cross WalK) signal聽is a pedestrian-activated traffic control device designed to:

• Stop traffic temporarily聽when activated
• Allow pedestrians to cross safely
• Minimize vehicle delays聽compared to traditional stoplights

HAWK signals are placed in聽mid-block, high-pedestrian areas聽to balance traffic flow with safety.

How the HAWK Signal Works

• Dark Signal聽鈥� Default state; motorists proceed normally
• Flashing Yellow聽鈥� Motorists should prepare to stop
• Solid Yellow聽鈥� Motorists must stop
• Solid Red聽鈥� Motorists must stop and remain stopped at the stop bar
• Flashing Red (alternating)聽鈥� Drivers must stop, ensure pedestrians have cleared, then proceed cautiously

Safety Reminder: If you are the聽second motorist in line, pull up to the stop bar and confirm the crosswalk is clear before proceeding.

Georgia DOT Statement

鈥淕eorgia DOT鈥檚 top priority is driver and pedestrian safety,鈥� says District Engineer聽Karon Ivery. 鈥淎lthough the HAWK Signal is very similar to the pedestrian鈥檚 view of a normal traffic signal, the motorists鈥� view is quite different. We urge drivers to use extreme caution as they adjust to this type of signal.鈥�

Why It Matters

• Enhances聽pedestrian safety聽for Georgia Southern students, faculty, and visitors
• Reduces pedestrian risk at聽multi-lane crossings
• Promotes聽shared responsibility聽between motorists and pedestrians

HAWK crosswalks are effective when聽both pedestrians and drivers comply聽with the signal鈥檚 rules. Georgia DOT continues to remind everyone:聽roadway safety is everyone鈥檚 responsibility.