And that is a recommendation (should), not a standard (shall). But it is genuinely puzzling to me why so many traffic agencies ignore that recommendation and install them AT such intersections.
I assume it's because, in general, more people cross a road where there's a cross-street than where there isn't one.
Exactly, and it's why (IMO) it's an idiotic recommendation. Very few pedestrians are likely to detour mid-block towards a HAWK unless they ultimately have to go that way.
I would much rather the HAWK design were modified to be placed more effectively at intersections rather than attempting to prohibit it altogether. And/or the MUTCD being less mental about half-signals.
If there is an intersection, a regular traffic signal is supposed to be used instead of a HAWK.
Half signals are just plain wrong. They confuse side road drivers.
I feel like half signals can be executed well if the thru direction is shown flashing yellow by default, which changes to red, then flashing red, if a pedestrian activates the crosswalk. You'd need a couple "stop here on flashing red" signs on either side of the half-signaled intersection.
If you're worried about the cross street, additional heads can be installed to stop cross-street traffic as you see fit.
Half signals get a bad rap, not because they're a bad idea, but because they're executed wrong.
I also think the HAWK is redundant; just use a standard RYG signal, where red turns to flashing red before turning green (or flashing yellow at half-signaled intersections). It held up fire station entrances for years, what's the issue with using it for crosswalks?
Poll
