Lubbock's third HAWK (High-intensity Activated crossWalK) pedestrian beacon is being installed Thursday (Oct. 1) at 27th Street and Ave. Q. Here's what residents unfamiliar with the system need to know to use it safely and effectively.

The HAWKsystem relies on a unique triangle-shaped traffic light and standard crosswalk display to let both drivers and pedestrians know when they should stop and when they should go.

Here's the HAWK pedestrian beacon's full sequence:

First, the three triangle lights will all be unlit and the crosswalk symbol will show an orange hand (i.e. the 'don't walk' symbol). This means drivers may proceed, but pedestrians should not.

When a pedestrian presses the crosswalk button, it triggers a flashing yellow at the bottom of the triangular display. This turns into a solid yellow light, letting drivers know a red light will soon follow.

Next, the top two lights of the display turn solid red, signaling to drivers to stop. The 'walk' symbol now lights up, letting pedestrians know that it's safe to cross the street.

Finally, the two top light displays begin flashing red. This means that drivers are still required to completely stop for pedestrians using the crosswalk, but they can go if there are no pedestrians using the crosswalk. At the same time, a flashing 'don't walk' symbol appears in the crosswalk light to let pedestrians know that a steady 'don't walk' symbol will soon appear to warn against crossing.

You can see the HAWK pedestrian beacon in action at Mylubbock.us.

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