Endicott Police Want Drivers to Learn How New School Signals Work

More than a year after a new type of pedestrian crossing signal was installed in front of Union-Endicott High School, some motorists remain confused about the system.

Endicott Police Chief Patrick Garey says his department is "ramping up traffic enforcement" on East Main Street near the school as classes begin next week.

The speed limit around the school is 20 miles per hour. Garey said officers will closely monitor the area for compliance.

An Endicott police officer monitored traffic speed on East Main Street on September 4, 2025. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)

A "High-Intensity Activated Crosswalk" or "HAWK" pedestrian signal now is in place near the high school's main entrance.

The police chief said village officers are working to educate drivers about the proper use of the crosswalk signal.

Drivers will notice a yellow caution signal followed by a steady red light when a pedestrian pushes a button at the crosswalk. Motorists must stop to allow people to cross. After several seconds, the red signal will start to blink. When the red light is blinking, drivers may proceed if it's safe to do so.

A bus turned into an entrance at Union-Endicott High School on East Main Street on September 4, 2025. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)

Garey told WNBF News some motorists are confused by the blinking red lights and remain stopped even after pedestrians have crossed the street. That can lead to unnecessary traffic backups.

A woman who had worked for years as a crossing guard at the high school was seriously injured in March 2021 when she was struck by a vehicle. That incident happened only three days after state DOT workers installed new speed limit signs on East Main Street.

Students also have been hurt when they've been hit by cars near the high school in recent years.

WNBF NEWS VIDEO: A look at how the new system worked when we first checked it out on September 2, 2025.

LISTEN: Endicott Police Chief Patrick Garey discussed traffic issues in village school zones during a WNBF News interview on September 2, 2026.