Stamford police say they are cracking down on the “skyrocketing” number of people being struck or killed by cars in the city.

The HAWK traffic system, or high intensity activated crosswalk beacon, is one of many ways the police department is hoping to solve the problem.

It requires pedestrians to hit a button that changes a traffic light red – stopping traffic and allowing pedestrians to cross.

They were installed on Washington Boulevard and Strawberry Hill Avenue near UConn and Stamford High School, where police say jaywalking is more common.

“The amount of people that are hit is skyrocketing. Just because you don't get killed, doesn't mean you're not going to get maimed or seriously have life-altering injuries,” says Capt. Diedrich Hohn.

Motorists who fail to stop at a red HAWK light will face a $134 fine. Pedestrians in the wrong could also face fines.