DEARBORN — Last week, The Arab American News (TAAN) published a story about a flashing red traffic light at the intersection of Chase and Warren, which has caused some problems during the Muslim Holy Month of Ramadan, when traffic flow tends to be pretty heavy during late night and early morning hours.

Just 48 hours after TAAN contacted the Dearborn Police Department to inquire as to why the traffic light was functioning with a flashing red signal during busy hours of the night, the issue appears to have been addressed.  The light now functions with a green-yellow-red signal at all times of the day; at least for the month of Ramadan.

“The Chief wanted it that way, and we did it,” said Sergeant Steve White, of the Traffic Safety Division, who last week said that it was the County that was responsible for traffic lights.

Sergeant White was quick to note that it would only remain that way during Ramadan and may switch back to a flashing red signal afterwards. But it appears that many Dearborn residents don’t blame the flashing light for the intersection being accident-prone.

Our story from last week was posted on the popular Dearborn Area Community Members Page on Facebook, and many residents blamed other residents for their careless and erratic driving. According to many, texting and driving, exceeding speed limits and running through red lights, are the norm at Dearborn’s more congested east-end main roads.

Traffic records indicate that car accidents that have occurred at the Chase and Warren intersection this year have all occurred in the daytime, while the light was functioning as a green-yellow-red. However, the police department’s decision to eliminate the flashing red light during Ramadan could serve as a good preventive measure for potential accidents during this month when traffic is increased during late hours. Last year, nine accidents were recorded at the intersection after 10 p.m. during Ramadan, when the traffic light switched to a flashing red signal.  

Some Facebook users suggested that flashing red lights need to be eliminated all together in east Dearborn, while others are asking for stronger police enforcement in the area.