Pedestrian Crashes: How to use a HAWK pedestrian signal in Springfield

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (KY3) - Springfield police are stepping up enforcement at HAWK signals — pedestrian-activated crosswalk devices appearing along busy city roads.

Officers issued nine citations at the North Glenstone location this week. The effort comes after six pedestrians died in Springfield in the first half of 2026.

What is a HAWK signal?

HAWK — High-Intensity Activated Crosswalk — signals are pedestrian-activated devices that use a staged light system to stop traffic at pedestrian crossings. The signal stays dark until a pedestrian presses the button.

“It is important that pedestrians seek out these crossing opportunities that are provided, and it’s also important that drivers respect crosswalks,” said Mandy Buettgen-Quinn, traffic safety specialist with the city of Springfield.

How the signal works — step by step

Once a pedestrian presses the button, the signal cycles through three stages:

1. Flashing yellow — the light begins flashing, alerting drivers to slow down
2. Solid yellow — the light goes solid, signaling drivers to prepare to stop
3. Solid red — drivers must come to a full stop and allow the pedestrian to cross
4. Flashing red — drivers are still at a complete stop, but can proceed with caution if the crosswalk is clear of pedestrians

What pedestrians should know

Even after activating the signal, pedestrians should confirm that traffic has fully stopped before stepping into the crosswalk.

“As a pedestrian, you are safer using a HAWK signal, but you still have to make sure that traffic stops because, just like at any other intersection, there can be red-light runners,” Buettgen-Quinn said.

About the enforcement effort

Officers used marked patrol vehicles to enforce crosswalk and pedestrian violations. Of the nine citations issued, eight were for pedestrians who crossed an arterial roadway outside of a crosswalk. One driver was cited for running a red light at a crosswalk.

The goal of crosswalk enforcement is to improve yielding rates, reduce crashes and close calls involving pedestrians, and encourage safe behaviors for all roadway users.

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