Tempting drivers to run red lights? It could very well be

[spooky]

I don't disagree with that, and I'm sorry I missed the point you were making.

I think the problem with the HAWK is that it is normally dark. If you drive through (and in turn, ignore) a dark signal 99 times, you might not even notice that it's red that 100th time. It's the same thing that happens when a new STOP sign is installed - regular users will blow right through it, because wait where did that come from???

[Roadrunner75]

I think the problem will be with the alternating flashing red signals following the steady reds.  Most drivers I would think would associate alternating flashing reds with railroad crossings, or even school buses, which mean the same as a solid red.  A single flashing red would be the same as a stop sign, which is the intent here.  I think many drivers are just going to stay put when they get the alternating reds for these signals.  It seems that it would be far better if the dual reds flashed together, rather than alternate.  Or better yet, just use a regular traffic signal and avoid all this in the first place.

[agentsteel53]

I think the problem with the HAWK is that it is normally dark.

since I'm in a place where the HAWK does not exist, to me it is unfamiliar.  my reaction to a dark, unfamiliar signal?  I will assume "the odd little traffic light is out" and treat it as an all-way stop!

[tradephoric]

Even the acronym is confusing. 

High-intensity Activated cross-WalK

How bout...

Highly Awkward cross-WalK

[spooky]

Or better yet, just use a regular traffic signal and avoid all this in the first place.

Most places where I've seen a HAWK installed would not meet MUTCD warrants for signal installation.

[tradephoric]

Why not just HACK? 

High-intensity Activated Cross-walK

"Who did that HACK job?"  would become a legitimate question in the office.

[mrsman]

I've found that having a red light camera at this intersection actually keeps drivers from yielding to fire apparatus that come down the ramp off I-395 going south onto S. Capitol St.
https://maps.google.com/?ll=38.879969,-77.008621&spn=0.00119,0.002642&t=h&z=19&layer=c&cbll=38.879866,-77.009144&panoid=5bL8O8lkpByzjrEE7j7V7A&cbp=12,347.58,,0,2.83

Any other intersection in the city, most people pull forward to clear a path when a fire truck is screaming up on their bumper. Several often take advantage of an emergency vehicle by going through along with us. But it's a known fact to fire companies in the area that, get caught behind cars at a red light here, you're waiting until the light turns green to get through, as everyone is afraid to pull past the stop line.

Another example of unintended consequences, courtesy of the DC government.

[roadfro]

Or better yet, just use a regular traffic signal and avoid all this in the first place.

Most places where I've seen a HAWK installed would not meet MUTCD warrants for signal installation.

Realize that there are several different warrants for a signal, one being based on number of pedestrian crossings versus vehicle volumes.

Generally speaking (i.e. in jurisdictions that religiously follow the warrant analyses), a location has to meet minimums of at least one warrant in order for a signal to be installed.