By David Aguilar
The Associated Press
DETROIT — Beginning next week, high-tech helpers will be alerting Dearborn Heights motorists about approaching emergency vehicles.
Three intersections in the suburb 10 miles southwest of Detroit will be temporarily outfitted with the Emergency Vehicle Alert System. The device hangs next to overhead traffic signals and illuminates in the shape of a fire truck — the national emergency symbol — using 276 flashing amber LED lights.
The 28- by 18-inch device is triggered by emergency responders who flip a switch up to 2,000 feet away and send a signal on a dedicated frequency. The device, which sells for $3,950, flashes once per second and glows brighter during the day. It automatically turns off once a vehicle has cleared the intersection.
Two police cruisers and two fire department vehicles will be equipped during a three-week trial run in the city of 60,000.
Project developer Thomas Pappas, owner of Livonia-based E-Light LLC, said Thursday that his invention is designed to better grab the attention of drivers who are too often distracted by radios, cell phones and electronic gadgets.
He said E-Light equipment will be installed for free and tested at three intersections during the next three weeks. Data gathered during the test period will be sent to the Traffic Research Group at Wayne State University in Detroit, which will send a final report to the Federal Highway Administration.
“No one has ever done this,” said Pappas, who began developing the device more than three years ago.
Dearborn Heights officials were enthusiastic about the project.
“Anything would help ... the more lights the better,” said Police Chief Michael Gust. “People just don’t pay attention anymore. No one hears the lights until they’re right on top of you.”
Mayor Daniel Paletko said Pappas approached him with the idea 18 months ago. “As soon as I saw it, I immediately could see the value,” Paletko said.