HomeMy WebLinkAboutRules of the RoadRULES of the ROAD
traffic safety tips
County of Hawai‘i
Department of Public Works
Traffic Division
106 Railroad Ave., Hilo, HI 96720
808-961-8341
County Seal
www.hawaiicounty.gov
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.
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.
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.
STEALING & VANDALIZING
TRAFFIC SIGNS
Many people believe that the act of stealing or defacing traffic
signs is a harmless prank. Well, it's not! Stolen stop
signs are the most serious problem, with vandalized warning
signs coming in a close second. Anyone caught is subject
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 someone
could get seriously injured or killed because of their
“harmless prank.”
Not a harmless prank!
Wet
Paint
WET PAINT ON ROADS
Our traffic painters face a multitude of hazards and frustrations
daily when painting traffic markings such as centerlines
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!
OUT
OF
ORDER
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.
Proceed with Caution