Stepping out in front of vehicles to stop traffic for students has been a safety concern for school crossing guards throughout the years. That’s why the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) has rolled out a brand-new pilot program in Mobile designed to make school zones safer for everyone, especially the crossing guards who bravely guide our children across busy streets.
So, what’s new? Well, Community Resource Officers (CROs) call it “the pickle.” No, not the kind you eat! The pickle is a clever nickname given by officers to a small, handheld device that gives crossing guards the power to control traffic signals remotely. This device connects to the traffic signal cabinet and allows guards to change traffic lights with just a click. That means they can stop traffic or direct it safely from the sidewalk—no more stepping into the road and risking their safety!
Additionally, ALDOT signal engineers have designed special school timing plans for school traffic that provides a dedicated pedestrian crossing where all vehicles are stopped to make it safer for students using the crosswalk. Right now, the “pickle,” is being tested at five different intersections at Mobile County schools. ALDOT is keeping a close eye on how it’s working and gathering feedback from the officers who use it. These officers are being trained by ALDOT’s traffic engineers along with the Mobile Police Department.
Officers attest to the safety of the device
After a successful career as an electrical engineer, Dolores Harvey, a CRO with the Mobile Police Department took up crossing guard duties to keep herself busy. She calls it her “retirement job.” For over 20 years, she’s been connecting with kids and helping them cross the street safely, and she’s thrilled about the new device. “The pickle has saved my life,” Dolores says with a smile. “I used to have to stand inside the crosswalk, exposed to traffic, but now I can stay on the sidewalk where it’s much safer.”
ALDOT’s new pilot program is just one of many efforts to improve road safety across Alabama. With the pickle, crossing guards can focus on what matters most—keeping our kids safe—without putting themselves in harm’s way.
More to come
Stay tuned for more updates on how this new technology is making a difference in Mobile County. And the next time you’re driving through a school zone, don’t be surprised if you see a crossing guard holding a pickle!
