‘Smart Crosswalk’ Flashes at Dangerous Intersection

Pacoima Elementary School students, parents and administrators and state Sen. Richard Alarcon (D-Sylmar) paid respect Thursday to a mother killed in a dangerous intersection, before they officially turned on a yellow-flashing crosswalk sign designed to prevent future accidents.

For years, parents and community members have asked that a safety device be installed at the intersection of Norris Avenue and Van Nuys Boulevard, the site in front of the school where numerous injuries have occurred.

In November 1997, Sylvia Rios, a mother of eight, died after being hit by a car while picking up one of her children from Pacoima Elementary.

Spearheaded by Alarcon, the city has installed “Smart Crosswalk” signs, which use a high-tech microwave sensor to detect pedestrians standing on the sidewalk and waiting to cross the street. That triggers a flashing yellow light to warn drivers to slow down.

In March of last year, the first smart crosswalk in the San Fernando Valley was added to the intersection of Lankershim Boulevard and Arminta Street in North Hollywood. A half-dozen more warning devices will be installed throughout Los Angeles.

The crosswalk at Pacoima cost about $25,000.

“A small price for a community’s safety,” Alarcon said.