Motorists in Bullhead City reminded to follow pedestrian crossing on State Route 95

PHOENIX — In an effort to enhance pedestrian safety and reduce delays for motorists in Bullhead City, the Arizona Department of Transportation installed a specialized traffic light at the intersection of State Route 95 and Fifth Street in 2013.

ADOT, in conjunction with Bullhead City, is reminding motorists to become familiar with how the Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon operates.

This special type of traffic light, which has been deployed across the nation, including the Phoenix and Tucson metro areas, to improve safety for pedestrians, is a system of indicator lights and signs that controls vehicle traffic to assist pedestrians in safely crossing a major street or highway at a marked crosswalk that does not have a standard traffic signal.

“I'm pleased that ADOT is working to clarify what is permissible with this traffic control device,” said Bullhead City Mayor Tom Brady. “This has been a source of frustration for all of those who sat and waited for motorists to proceed when they didn't have to wait.  Remember, flashing red means stop and proceed with caution once the pedestrian crosswalk is entirely clear.”

The indicator light gets activated after a button is pushed by a pedestrian. Traffic is alerted to stop with a flashing yellow light followed a solid yellow light and then by two solid red  lights, providing motorists with an unmistakable message to stop. At this point, the pedestrian is signaled to walk safely across the street and the associated pedestrian countdown signal indicates how much time is left to cross the street. During this period, motorists are required to stop and remain stopped until pedestrians have finished crossing the street, and then motorists may proceed with caution when the red lights begin to flash alternatively and also the crosswalk is clear of pedestrians.

Steps for Activation:

• When there is no pedestrian waiting to cross, drivers see that all indication lights are dark; the pedestrian will see a “DON’T WALK” symbol. A pedestrian who wants to cross the street will need to push the button to activate the system.
• When a pedestrian pushes the button, approaching drivers will see a FLASHING YELLOW light for a few seconds, indicating that they should reduce speed and be prepared to stop. Pedestrians will continue to see a “DON’T WALK” symbol and should wait.
• Drivers will see a STEADY YELLOW light, warning drivers the indication will soon turn to a STEADY RED light. Pedestrians will continue to see the “DON’T WALK” symbol and should continue to wait.
• Drivers will see a STEADY RED light, which requires them to STOP at the stop line. At this point, the pedestrian receives a “WALK” symbol to cross.
• As the pedestrian crosses the street, drivers will see ALTERNATING FLASHING RED lights, indicating that they need to STOP and remain stopped until pedestrians have finished crossing the street. Drivers may proceed with caution if the crosswalk is clear. Pedestrians will see a flashing countdown that indicates how much time they have to cross the street.
• At the end of the flashing countdown, drivers will see that all indication lights are dark; the pedestrian will see a “DON’T WALK” symbol. Drivers may continue to proceed through the crosswalk if it is clear; pedestrians waiting to cross will have to push the button to re-activate the system.

Printable instructions may be downloaded at www.azdot.gov/PHB. Printed copies of the instructions are also available at the ADOT Kingman District office, 3660 E. Andy Devine Ave., and at Bullhead City Hall, 2355 Trane Road.

For the most current information about highway closures and restrictions statewide, visit ADOT’s Travel Information Site at www.az511.gov, follow us on Twitter (@ArizonaDOT) or call 5-1-1.