DEARBORN — Dubbed as “Dearborn’s most dangerous intersection,” a flashing red traffic light at the crossing of Warren Ave. and Chase Rd. continues to be the source of traffic problems for local drivers, prompting many to question why the City has yet to enforce the standard green-yellow-red signal at this location around-the-clock.

At 10 p.m. every evening, several traffic signals, at various intersections, are turned from their standard signals, to either a flashing red, or a flashing yellow, depending on how busy the City and the County estimates the intersection to be. These traffic lights are then automatically returned to their standard settings at 6:00 a.m., before the morning rush ensues. 

According to the Dearborn Police Department, traffic flow studies are conducted by the County in order to determine what intersections should remain standard, and what intersections would be more suitable for a flashing red light, or a flashing yellow light.  

Typically, major intersections, such as Ford Rd. and Telegraph, or Michigan Ave. and Wyoming, maintain the standard traffic light around-the-clock, as they serve as prominent gateways in and out of the City at all times of the day. 

An accident at Chase and Warren in early June

Sergeant Steve White, who works in the Dearborn Police Department’s Traffic Safety Division, says year-to-date, a total of ten accidents have occurred at the intersection of Warren and Chase, with one reported injury. Ironically, however, all of these accidents have occurred before 10:00 p.m., while the traffic light is operating as a green-yellow-red.

 “People need to be reminded to be diligent at intersections and use proper safety driving habits. Pay attention to what the light is doing,” Sergeant White says to Dearborn’s residents. 

Still however, it’s clear that the flashing red light at this intersection continues to be a persistent problem right before midnight and during the a.m. hours. With the holy month of Ramadan in full-swing, the intersection now attracts heavy traffic flow, due to local residents flocking to businesses, such as Signature Cafe, Shatila Bakery, Golden Bakery and Yasmeen Bakery, all of which are located near the intersection and have extended their hours of operation for the month. 

At some points during the evening and early morning, it could become rather difficult for drivers to coordinate a safe transition across the intersection. Ali Mokahal, owner of Signature Cafe, says that he has been asking the City to take action on the traffic light for over a year now.

“It’s a big problem. We have tried communicating with the City and the State a number of times, and we even took pictures last year,” Mokahal says.

Last year, during Ramadan, Mokahal says he counted nine accidents, after 10 p.m., at the intersection. In one week alone, he recalls three separate accidents. He does admit that this year, things may have calmed down a bit, but as Ramadan rolls on, that may change.

“People are staying here until the morning, and there is a lot of traffic on Warren Ave. Last year the City told me that they were going to take care of the problem, but I haven’t seen them do that. The light needs to be red at all times,” he added. 

Mike, the manager of the Citgo gas station, across the street meanwhile shifts blame to Dearborn’s drivers, rather than the traffic light. He says that he’s witnessed accidents occur there at all times of the day, especially now that there are more businesses operating at that intersection. On Monday, a three-car accident occurred at the intersection during the afternoon, when the traffic light was functioning as a green-yellow-red.

“To be honest with you, I think it’s more-so the people who are driving than it is the traffic light. It’s not the only flashing red light in the City, so that’s not an excuse. When you get your driver’s license, you should know what a red flashing light means,” says Mike. 

According to Michigan driving laws, a flashing red light is supposed to be approached with caution by drivers, and serves the exact same purpose as a stop sign. That means that all vehicles must make a complete stop and look in both directions, before proceeding, at all times. 

Residents who are also concerned about the traffic light on Warren and Chase, should contact the Dearborn Police Department’s Traffic Safety Division at 313.943.2275.