First pedestrian hybrid beacon arrives at Salinas crosswalk

SALINAS, Calif. (KION-TV)- The City of Salinas has brought a new crosswalk technology that will hopefully help with pedestrian safety.

The intersection of North Sanborn Road and Buckhorn Drive has gotten what is known as a Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon. This PHB is different from other crosswalks in the City in that the sequence of traffic control lights slows and stops traffic before pedestrians are given the signal to cross.

"These kinds of traffic safety measures protect our children, students, and families who use this crosswalk every single day," said District 1 City Councilmember Carla González. "It's a reminder that continued investment in our communities improve the quality of life for all."

There are five phases to the traffic light cycle for pedestrians looking to cross the street:

• Phase 1: No visible lights - It's ok to drive through the intersection as usual, but still look for pedestrians.
• Phase 2: Yellow flashing lights - Begin to slow down; a pedestrian has activated the crosswalk.
• Phase 3: Solid yellow lights - Prepare to stop; the lights will be turning red.
• Phase 4: Solid red lights - Traffic must stop; the pedestrian has been given the signal to cross.
• Phase 5: Red flashing lights - Traffic may now proceed if the crosswalk is clear, but the intersection should be treated as a stop sign. Every vehicle coming up to the intersection when the red lights are flashing must make a full stop at the crosswalk before proceeding.
• The cycle will reset after Phase 5.

Per the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration, "because PHBs remain dark until activated, they can help increase driver attention to pedestrians crossing the roadway and can reduce rear-end collisions. The pedestrian hybrid beacon's red signal indication removes any judgment from the motorists and requires a complete stop."