Photo: WBZ NewsRadio Archive
BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — A new study by researchers at UMass Amherst shows how drivers are confused with a new kind of traffic light that is becoming more popular in the Bay State.
These traffic lights are called pedestrian hybrid beacons and initially show no lights at all; it isn’t until a pedestrian presses a button to cross an intersection that the light is then activated.
Once the button is pushed a flashing yellow light will appear to signal drivers to slow down, then a solid yellow light will appear shortly thereafter signaling for drivers to prepare to stop.
The final phase shows a solid red light that tells drivers to stop and let pedestrians cross, then the red light begins to flash which signals for drivers to stop and then proceed when the crosswalk is clear.
The study showed that nearly a quarter of drivers blew past these traffic lights even when they were solid red.
It also revealed that many drivers stopped too soon due to their confusion about the blinking red light and what it’s supposed to signify.
Some Bostonians expressed their concerns over the results of this new study and noted the danger that could arise over the confusion of the lights.
“A lot of people are going to slam their brakes if they don’t understand what’s going on,” said Brian.
“I just want to wait till it actually shows me [a walk signal], because some [drivers] don’t stop,” said Fatima.
The study also found that some drivers will stop when they see pedestrians at a crosswalk waiting to cross even if the light doesn’t tell them to.
“They might stop for me, but they’ll go right after even if it’s red,” said Brian.
There are currently 40 of these pedestrian hybrid beacon lights scattered throughout Massachusetts roadways.
To check out the full study click here.
WBZ NewsRadio's Jeromey Russ (@JeromeyRuss) reports.