New Traffic System in New Naples Making Roads Safer
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New Traffic System in New Naples Making Roads Safer

Posted by Ryan Schwartz on Friday, November 16th, 2012 at 5:38am.

Frequent accidents on Weeks Avenue and Bayshore Road prompted the installation of a new and improved traffic system in order to make the roads safer for both residents and visitors in Collier County.  This bustling Naples intersection has a steady stream of drivers, bicyclists, and pedestrians trying to get to their destinations in a hurry.  Thanks to the newly installed HAWK system, the goal is to reduce accidents, enhance traffic pattern efficiency, and promote driver and pedestrian safety.

Before the installation of this system; a lot of precautions had been taken to try to lower the accident rate. Yet, none of the initiatives were truly effective by making the intersection safer.  According to resident of Naples, Neal Keane, “…crossing the intersection is almost next to impossible.  You always have to gamble with your life every time you cross it.” The local government agreed and invested in the new technology with hopes to bring it to other intersections in the area in the near future.

The first of its kind, the HAWK system is designed like a normal traffic light where pedestrians need to press a simple button in order to help people get to the other side of the street.  The traffic lights will change its color to red and force drivers to stop to allow pedestrians to cross.  Yet, the marquee feature is that the HAWK system’s red lights will go from a flashing red to a steady red urging people to stop right in their tracks.

Sergeant Robert Brown, member of Collier County Sherriff’s Office’s Traffic and Safety Bureau stated that he is looking forward to experiencing crossing the risky street without the possibility of getting hit by a speeding vehicle.  The local government will be keeping a close eye on the system and will enforce the law on both drivers and pedestrians.  There will also be increased patrol in the area to monitor the flow of traffic. Any travelers of Weeks Avenue and Bayshore Road, please feel free to comment and let us know your opinion of the new HAWK system and how it is affecting your morning drive.

Ryan Schwartz
239.500.8000
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