Gridlock Guy: Confusion and gains in HAWK pedestrian signals similar to those seen in roundabouts

KENNESAW, Ga. — As we have covered in earnest lately with roundabouts , the introduction of a new traffic tool or maneuver can throw drivers for a loop. Diverging diamonds and displaced left turns, each of which send drivers on the wrong side of a roadway to prevent left turns across traffic, can be confusing.

Encountering new traffic signals can cause the same hesitation or befuddlement.

The HAWK (high-intensity activated crosswalk) beacon contains a mixture of yellow and red lights and pedestrians can activate them when they are readying to use a crosswalk. What those lights mean, however, can be confusing.

One regular commuter around one of those signals in Cobb County emailed us some insights.

“On GA-120/Whitlock Avenue in Marietta (west of town), there is a signalized, pedestria