School crossing guards in Mobile County are using this new device to direct traffic

MOBILE COUNTY, Ala. ( WKRG ) — Mobile Police have teamed up with the Alabama Department of Transportation to bring about a new safety measure for school zone crossing guards in Mobile County.

At some schools, Community Resource Officers, also known as crossing guards, are now using a device called “the pickle.”

“It’s a white device with a button on top. One-click and she changes the traffic pattern,” MPD Community Resource Officer Supervisor Amanda Lutman explained.

It may not look like much but the pickle controls the light cycles at certain busy intersections. At St. Ignatius Catholic School, the device controls the traffic lights at Spring Hill Avenue and Tuthill Lane. This method allows the crossing guard to direct traffic without being in the busy road.

Michelle Davis has been a CRO with MPD since 2016 and knows the potential dangers of being a crossing guard.

“I’ve had near incidents where cars almost hit me,“ Davis recalled. “It was terrifying for the most part but you get over it.”

Davis says instances like that simply come with the territory of the job but Lutman wants to ensure that her CROs are safe and comfortable while they work.

“It’s hard work being out here. It’s 80 degrees at 5 a.m.,” Lutman explained. “She’s able to stand in the shade. She still has her head on a swivel, she’s still in charge of her school traffic. It just lets her be a little bit more present without being exhausted by the end of her traffic assignment.”

Drivers can expect to see the pickle in use at busy intersections near schools like E.R. Dickson, BC Rain, and Causey Middle. And like most new things, it’s going to take some getting used to.

Davis says she’s still getting used to the device and thinks parents are too.

“I think they’re getting used to me being on the side now. I think they’re finally realizing that she’s controlling the light, which is a whole lot safer,” Davis said.

Drivers are also reminded to do their part in keeping school zones safe by staying off their phones, adhering to speed limits, and paying attention.

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