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STERLING HEIGHTS — Sometimes it takes big flashing lights to draw people’s attention, and that’s just what Sterling Heights city officials hope will happen at certain crosswalks throughout the city with the return of back-to-school season.
In an Aug. 27 YouTube video produced by Sterling Heights, Sterling Heights police Lt. Aaron Susalla and City Engineer Brent Bashaw educate the public about rectangular rapid flashing beacons, or RRFBs, and how they operate.
According to Bashaw, pedestrians may activate these devices by pushing a button at the crosswalk, which then triggers a flashing strobe-like light on a nearby sign.
Susalla pointed out that the flashing sign is designed to alert drivers. While he said the flashing lights by themselves don’t necessarily require drivers to stop, other accompanying conditions may require them to do so.
“As a driver, you’re not required to stop at these,” he said. “The lights are flashing just (to) make you aware. But if a driver on the opposite side does stop and the pedestrian is able to enter the crosswalk, at that point, the drivers are required to stop.”
Susalla also said drivers must stop once a pedestrian enters the crosswalk. But Bashaw warned pedestrians to still be careful when crossing.
“It’s important to note, too, when you’re a pedestrian crossing these things, when you hit the button, you really need to look both ways and make sure traffic is clear as you normally would at the crossing,” Bashaw said.
Susalla pointed out that many students use the RRFB crosswalks while walking to and from school, and those times are often when the RRFB crosswalks are most frequently in operation.
According to the city, RRFBs are currently set up in several spots in Sterling Heights, including some near schools:
• 19 Mile Road and Flis Drive.
• Riverland Drive and the Clinton River.
• 15 Mile Road east of Cavant Drive.
• 15 Mile east of Van Dyke Avenue.
• Dodge Park Road between the City Center and the Community Center.
• 19 Mile east of Gainsley Drive.
• 17 Mile Road east of Plumbrook Road.
• Plumbrook Road and San Valleluce Drive.
• Dodge Park Road north of Metropolitan Parkway.
Bashaw said the city has been planning to install the signals near Stevenson High School thanks to “a joint project with the Utica Community Schools.” According to the city, the new beacons at Stevenson are “coming soon.”
According to Sterling Heights Community Relations Director Melanie Davis, the two-directional signs with the overhead light cost $15,000 apiece, and the one-directional signs with overhead lights are $10,200 apiece.
In an emailed statement, UCS Superintendent Robert Monroe praised Sterling Heights for its partnership and support in keeping kids safe.
“The changes at Stevenson High School will greatly increase the safety of our students as they begin and end their high school day,” Monroe said.
A recent AAA survey that discussed active school zones revealed that 40% of respondents said they have sped in one, and 26% said they have used a handheld cellphone while driving in one.
But AAA is also advising pedestrians not to be distracted during back-to-school season. It advises them to pay attention; walk on sidewalks, if possible; wear bright-colored clothes; and make eye contact with stopping drivers before crossing.
“Distracted pedestrians can be just as consequential as a distracted driver,” AAA spokeswoman Adrienne Woodland said in a statement.
“Now is an important time to talk to your students about the rules of the road and ways to stay safe. Discourage them from wearing earbuds or looking down at digital devices while standing or walking near traffic lanes. Otherwise, they may not detect an approaching vehicle.”
Learn more about the RRFBs by visiting Sterling Heights’ YouTube page at youtube.com/@SHTV.
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