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Home My WebLink AboutTRF_Rules_of_the_Road_(Color)RULES of the ROAD tr a f f i c s a f e t y t i p s County of Hawai‘i Department of Public Works Traffic Division 106 Railroad Ave., Hilo, HI 96720 808-961-8341 03/06/08 PEDESTRIAN SIGNALS “WALK” or Walking Man Symbol: This is like the green light for motorists. Pedestrians facing either the “WALK” or walking man symbol can begin their crossing. Many of our signalized intersec- tions require that a button be pushed in order for you to get the “WALK” light. Flashing “DON'T WALK” or Flashing Hand Symbol: This is like the amber signal for motorists. Pedestrians facing a flashing “DON'T WALK” or flashing hand symbol should continue their crossing at a normal pace if they are already in the crosswalk. Pedestrians facing a flashing “DON'T WALK” signal who have not started their crossing should wait for the next “WALK” signal. Steady “DON'T WALK” or Hand Symbol: This is like the red sig- nal for motorists. Wait on the sidewalk area for the “WALK” signal. Remember, our “WALK” and flashing “DON'T WALK” signals are calculated using an average walking speed of four feet per sec- ond. So, it's not necessary to run across the street whenever you are legally crossing in a marked crosswalk at intersections that have pedestrian indications. However, be aware of inattentive drivers, especially those making a right turn on red. Don’t be dead right. STREET LIGHTS OFF? Call us at 961-8341 to report street lights that are not work- ing properly. Anyone who answers the phone can help you. Please remember to give us the exact location of the light, including the number of the pole it's on. We need this infor- mation because our crew conducts repairs during the day- time hours, when all lights are out. We have three basic types of malfunctions—lights being completely out, always on, or cycling (on and off during the night). Repairs are normally done within 2 to 3 weeks. Our crew is responsible for maintaining more than 9,246 streetlights and 51 traffic signals island-wide. Call 961-8341 to report. STEALING & VANDALIZING TRAFFIC SIGNS Many people believe that the act of stealing or defacing traf- fic signs is a harmless prank. Well, it's not! Stolen stop signs are the most serious problem, with vandalized warn- ing signs coming in a close second. Anyone caught is sub- ject to criminal prosecution. Traffic signs are installed to make driving on our streets safer for everyone. If your child or someone you know has one of our signs in their room, please help make them understand that some- one could get seriously injured or killed because of their “harmless prank.” Not a harmless prank! DON'T GO OVER THE LINE! Vehicle detectors are increasingly being used at signalized intersections to provide more efficient phasing and timing of the signals. The type of detection system used by the County is called “presence.” This means that you must stop at the marked stop-line in order for you to get the green light. If you “creep” pass the stop-line before getting a green signal, your “call” will be dropped and the green light will not appear until someone else stops at the stop-line. Stop at the marked line. TO TURN OR NOT TO TURN? Right turns on red are allowed at signalized intersections if not prohibited by signs. Motorists are cautioned to be especially aware of pedestrians who are legally crossing the street on either a green “WALK” or a flashing “DON'T WALK” signal. Pedestrians are also cautioned to be aware of motorists who are making the right turn on red. It's a good practice to make eye contact with the driver whenever crossing any street to help assure a safer crossing. Be aware of pedestrians. WET PAINT ON ROADS Our traffic painters face a multitude of hazards and frustra-tions daily when painting traffic markings such as center-lines on County roadways. Although speeding, inattentive or just plain ignorant drivers create the most hazard, the most frustrating are those motorists who run over the wet paint. Please, look for the sign that states “Men Painting Road” or orange traffic cones on the wet paint. Ample gaps are left unpainted whenever possible so drivers can make turns across the centerline without running over the wet paint. WetPaint Drive Safe! WET PAINT ON ROADS Our traffic painters face a multitude of hazards and frustra-tions daily when painting traffic markings such as center-lines on County roadways. Although speeding, inattentive or just plain ignorant drivers create the most hazard, the most frustrating are those motorists who run over the wet paint. Please, look for the sign that states “Men Painting Road” or orange traffic cones on the wet paint. Ample gaps are left unpainted whenever possible so drivers can make turns across the centerline without running over the wet paint. WetPaint Drive Safe! Wet Paint WET PAINT ON ROADS Our traffic painters face a multitude of hazards and frustra-tions daily when painting traffic markings such as center-lines on County roadways. Although speeding, inattentive or just plain ignorant drivers create the most hazard, the most frustrating are those motorists who run over the wet paint. Please, look for the sign that states “Men Painting Road” or orange traffic cones on the wet paint. Ample gaps are left unpainted whenever possible so drivers can make turns across the centerline without running over the wet paint. Drive Safe! DARK TRAFFIC SIGNALS Whenever you approach a signalized intersection that is completely off, drivers are expected to come to a complete stop before entering the intersection. As no one has the legal right of way, the “right hand rule” of traffic control prevails, such as when there is a four-way stop control. Here are some basics to follow:1. The motorist who reaches the intersection first and stops at the stop line has the right of way. 2. If drivers reach the intersection at the same time from different streets, the driver to the immediate right has the right of way. 3. If drivers reach the intersection at the same time from opposite sides, the driver making the left turn must yield.If the length of the power failure cannot be accurately determined, our crew will install temporary stop signs to assign the right way. OUT OF ORDER Proceed with Caution DARK TRAFFIC SIGNALS Whenever you approach a signalized intersection that is completely off, drivers are expected to come to a complete stop before entering the intersection. As no one has the legal right of way, the “right hand rule” of traffic control prevails, such as when there is a four-way stop control. Here are some basics to follow:1. The motorist who reaches the intersection first and stops at the stop line has the right of way. 2. If drivers reach the intersection at the same time from different streets, the driver to the immediate right has the right of way. 3. If drivers reach the intersection at the same time from opposite sides, the driver making the left turn must yield.If the length of the power failure cannot be accurately determined, our crew will install temporary stop signs to assign the right way. OUT OF ORDER Proceed with Caution OUT OF ORDER DARK TRAFFIC SIGNALS Whenever you approach a signalized intersection that is completely off, drivers are expected to come to a completestop before entering the intersection. As no one has the legal right of way, the “right hand rule” of traffic control prevails, such as when there is a four-way stop control. Here are some basics to follow: 1. The motorist who reaches the intersection first and stops at the stop line has the right of way. 2. If drivers reach the intersection at the same time from different streets, the driver to the immediate right has the right of way. 3. If drivers reach the intersection at the same time from opposite sides, the driver making the left turn must yield. If the length of the power failure cannot be accuratelydetermined, our crew will install temporary stop signs to assign the right way. Proceed with Caution