Flashing lights alert drivers to students at Seventh and Best

COEUR d’ALENE — On a Friday afternoon, even with a crosswalk, flashing lights and kids standing at Seventh and Best, a few cars passed by without stopping.

Todd Feusier, Coeur d’Alene’s streets department director, expects that to change soon.

“We've already had half a dozen drivers not pay attention to the lights,” he said.

Flashing lights at a crosswalk indicate there are pedestrians, often students from Borah Elementary School, crossing the street.

“It means somebody is there,” Feusier said.

The new $8,000 rectangular rapid flashing beacon was turned on last Friday and is designed to enhance safety for Borah students coming and going at Seventh and Best. A pedestrian ramp was also installed on the northwest corner.

Feusier said the city has sidewalk work coming up on the north side of Best Avenue in that area, but the flashing-light installation took priority.

“We felt there was enough of a need here to put this ahead of that project,” he said.

Borah Principal Kristina Davenport was pleased.

Many students cross at that intersection morning and afternoon.

“I'm really grateful that the city has supported Borah Elementary students and provided a safe feature for us to help our students cross the street,” she said.

Alexis Barlow, Borah librarian, said drivers sometimes haven't noticed the crosswalk at Seventh and Best when students were waiting to cross. The flashing lights should end that oversight.

“It's been pretty dangerous for staff and kids,” she said. “We’re so thankful.”

Feusier said students are reminded to push the button to activate the lights and look both ways for traffic before crossing the street.

“This should be a great tool,” he said.