But, but, the countdown! The countdown is for the people already in the crosswalk. Sorry, pet peeve diversion.), the officer simply asks them what does a solid red hand mean? It is a lot harder to claim ignorance of something that is pretty damn straight forward.
If stopped by an officer (and ALL offenders of this should be stopped and ticketed because they mess up drivers big time by tested their athletic abilities. The current signal situation allows the pedestrian to think they have the choice to enter the crosswalk at the time of a flashing signal. I believe these changes are intuitive and addresses what I believe is the biggest problem in the current system which sends the wrong message to the pedestrian. BUT because the red hand is NOT flashing anyone approaching the crosswalk is not given the impression that they should figure out if they “can make it” across the crosswalk because the hand clearly shows that they should NOT enter the crosswalk. If you are someone who is already in the crosswalk you know how long you have to finish crossing. Where there is the countdown capability the red hand should be a NON-flashing red hand and the countdown blinks.Even if there is still time for the pedestrians already in the crosswalk to cross before the traffic signal for the automobiles change to green. From the white WALK signal when pedestrians are NOT allowed to ENTER the crosswalk it should turn to a steady red DON’T WALK. Where there is only WALK (white walking person) or DON’T WALK (red hand).My proposed solution is simple, NO FLASHING red hand: Which is why it is even more critical that the every day signage reflect the law or at the very least convey a message that will allow a pedestrian to have the best chance of not violating a law of which they have no knowledge of. To teach everyone who is going to be a pedestrian in Hawaii is just not practical nor probable. Laws and other rules that you are not “born with” have to be learned. I propose that we NEVER use a FLASHING red hand because a SOLID red hand is VERY INTUITIVE and means STOP! Do NOT enter the cross walk! The problem is the actual traffic-control device with the flashing red hand. The law is fine as it reads although it could be tweaked to match exactly what I am proposing, it is not necessary. I do not believe that Number 2 needs to be changed. If I have to read a sample to learn the right way then that requires educating the whole pedestrian community and that is not practical. I could NOT find any “attachment” for samples, but it wouldn’t have mattered anyway because my whole argument for the change is based on a “common sense” or “intuitive” solution. Number 3 is an exception and note to D.O.T.
We HAVE driver knowledge requirements in place through our licensing process. Number 1 above is not in question and really that is more of a driver education thing because it has more to do with the driver giving the pedestrian the right of way. (4) Please see attachment on samples of instructions to cross at control signal lights. (3) Pedestrians shall obey instructions on any traffic-control device specifically applicable, unless otherwise directed by a police officer. No pedestrian shall start to cross the roadway in the direction of such signal, whether flashing or steady, but any pedestrian who has partially completed the pedestrian’s crossing on the Walk or Walking Person signal shall complete the crossing to a sidewalk or safety island while the Don’t Walk or Upraised Palm signal is showing. Pedestrians facing such signal may proceed across the roadway in the direction of the signal and shall be given the right of way by the drivers of all vehicles. Whenever special pedestrian control signals, exhibiting the words “Walk” or “Don’t Walk” or the symbols of a walking person or an upraised palm are in place such signals shall indicate as follows: Here are the guidelines for pedestrian law as it relates to Control Signals (Reference: Department of Transportation: Pedestrian Guidelines): My contention is that the current flashing red hand signals do NOT convey what is the actual law and is in fact counter-intuitive to the law. Hereafter to be considered to be included in “red hand” reference)!
STOP THE FLASHING RED HAND (and flashing Don’t Walk. What I came up with is what I believe is the best solution that is also very simple and will make a huge difference for pedestrians AND drivers immediately upon implementation. I have been hearing and reading about the high rate of pedestrian accidents in Hawaii recently and it got me thinking about a solution to this problem, just stay sleeping with the wedge pillow all day and night.