GAINESVILLE, FL (352today.com) – It’s not your dad’s crosswalk. There’s an “advanced crosswalk system” now at East University Avenue (State Road 26) near NE 26th Terrace, adjacent to Fred Cone Park.

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) recently activated a Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon (PHB) there to improve pedestrian safety.

FDOT says PHBs are advanced crosswalk systems that control both vehicle and pedestrian movements using traffic signals. Please click below for a video on how PHBs function.

FDOT says the project cost $350,000.

PHBs are in use in other areas around the state. FDOT installed the system in Orlando on U.S. 441 nearly three years ago. And, they activated one in Daytona Beach on U.S. 92.

FDOT says “PHBs have been proven most effective in locations where a full traffic signal is not warranted, but traditional crosswalk signage and markings are not improving conditions.”

FDOT says according to a Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) study published in 2010, PHBs can reduce crashes involving pedestrians by 69% and total crashes by 29%. FDOT says because the beacons stay dark until activated, they help increase the awareness of drivers to stop for pedestrians and help reduce rear-end collisions.

How do PHBs work?

A video release from FDOT shows PHBs stay dark until activated. When a pedestrian presses the push-to-walk button, the overhead beacons will begin to flash yellow. The flashing yellow serves as a warning to motorists that the beacon has been activated and someone will be using the crosswalk. These are then followed by solid yellow lights and then solid red lights that signal motorists to come to a complete stop.

Subsequently, pedestrians will receive a “Walk” signal followed by a flashing countdown that shows how much time is left to cross. During the flashing countdown, drivers will see red flashing lights that should be treated like a stop sign, meaning cars should stop, then proceed through the crosswalk only when it is completely clear.

Once the PHB cycle is finished, drivers will see the beacons go dark and pedestrians will have a “Don’t Walk” signal. Vehicles can then proceed with caution.