New traffic light helps students, pedestrians safely cross Alameda
A new traffic light in front of Ysleta High School helps students safely cross Alameda Avenue.
The city of El Paso installed the HAWK light system during spring break, which helps control high-traffic areas. HAWK stands for high-intensity activated crosswalk.
The light looks like any other traffic light, but it is activated by the pedestrian.
School officials said there may be some confusion are urging drivers to take precautions and learn the new rules.
First, a pedestrian must push the button and wait for the walk signal.
The traffic light will show a solid yellow and then a flashing yellow light, warning drivers that pedestrians are about to cross the street.
Drivers must completely stop to allow the students or pedestrians cross. A flashing red light should be treated like a stop sign, drivers can proceed if no one is crossing.
“I think it’s definitely a protection, the only thing is that we have to educate the public because we want to make sure they understand what is a solid yellow, a flashing yellow a solid red and a flashing red,” said assistant principal Amy Alarcon.
Alarcon said the lights were installed after city officials conducted a traffic study.
The new lights may come as a major adjustment for drivers who were used to looking out for a crossing guard.
“They’ve (drivers) never had to look up, they’ve always looked for our crossing guard on the street. Now they have to look up to see what color the lights are flashing,” Alarcon said.
The lights can be used at all times of the day and not just during school hours.
Alarcon said pedestrians should also use the crosswalk correctly.
“People who are using it, please listen to the directions that are given. It does speak to them and it does tell them when they can walk and gives them a countdown,” Alarcon said.
