Ann Arbor’s new traffic signal, the High-intensity Activated CrossWalk (HAWK), has kept the road free of accidents since it was installed nearly one month ago.

Eli Cooper, Ann Arbor’s transportation program manager, said Ann Arbor residents in the area have responded well to the new light, which was installed Nov. 17 at the intersection of Huron and Third Streets.

“What I’ve heard and what some of my traffic engineering colleagues have heard from these are people who live in the neighborhood … they are just impressed by how easy it makes it to get across the street,” Cooper said.

In addition to being user friendly, the new traffic system is intended to improve pedestrian safety. Cooper said pedestrians and motorists have generally adapted well to the new system, and have had no major accidents or issues.

Ann Arbor Police Department Sgt. Mike Lance confirmed earlier this week that there have been no reported accidents or incidents at the intersection since the new system’s installation. He said calls the AAPD has received about the traffic light have consisted of concerns regarding how to use the new signal.

To use the HAWK system, pedestrians push a button, which triggers the signal to flash yellow. Next, the signal changes to two solid red lights that tell traffic to stop and allow pedestrians to cross. The signal then proceeds to show a single red flashing light. If there are no pedestrians crossing, the vehicles may proceed.

According to Cooper, some motorists have said they are apprehensive to begin driving again when the light changes to flashing red.

To test it himself, Cooper said he recently drove through the HAWK on his way to work. After the pedestrians had finished crossing, and the light turned to flashing red, Cooper said he didn’t proceed but waited for the other cars to resume driving.

But after a few seconds, no one had started driving, Cooper said. He then began to pass through the intersection and the other drivers followed his lead. Cooper noted that the city vehicle he drives might have influenced the other drivers’ decisions to drive through the intersection.

Cooper added when triggered by pedestrians, the new system doesn’t act as a “hot button.”

“When you push the button, it will not automatically cycle,” Cooper said.

Instead, the signal is coordinated with the traffic lights before and after it, Cooper explained. The HAWK signal stops cars that would already be stopped at the next light so traffic flow isn’t largely impacted, he said.

Cooper said he didn’t know if the city will be looking to install more HAWK signals in the future. But he said officials will continue to assess different areas of high pedestrian and motorist traffic that need safety improvements.

He pointed out many areas of interest, but noted that due to limited funds, the areas may not be able to receive a HAWK signal. According to Cooper, the HAWK system costs about $80,000 to $100,000 to install.

There are other pedestrian-activated devices, however, that cost about $20,000 to $30,000, Cooper said.

“There are other innovative traffic signal devices that could be deployed that are not as expensive as a HAWK, and that may provide the level of effectiveness,” Cooper said.

Though Cooper acknowledged that a few residents have been skeptical of the new traffic system, he said he is “very pleased” with the reaction to the signal.

“It’s not often that you get a chance to make a small improvement that makes such a big difference in people’s lives,” Cooper said. “We’ve had people contacting us and thanking us.”