SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) - One of the stories we reported this year was about teenager Eric Norem, who – along with family friend Sandy Louey – was struck by a speeding car in 2022 near the Riverside Boulevard crosswalk. The story featured them standing near the site, holding Eric’s bright yellow sign promoting pedestrian safety and his campaign for a Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon (RRFB).

Eric’s large, bright yellow poster includes a section that asks, “What is a Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon (RRFB)?” An RRFB lights up when a pedestrian pushes a button to cross the street. 

It activates only when someone is crossing, allowing traffic to continue flowing on busy Riverside Boulevard.

“I hope the city will consider an RRFB or another traffic measure to improve safety at Riverside and Lelandhaven, where I was seriously hurt by a speeding driver,” Eric said. “Pedestrians deserve to be safe, especially when they’re in a marked crosswalk.”

Eric has gained strong community backing, including support from Sacramento Elks Lodge No. 6. 

“I’m extremely proud that we are supporting Eric and his petition drive,” said Exalted Ruler Rob Moore.

Eric continues to collect signatures. His mother, Pamela C. Wu, reports that he has gathered hundreds more through his online petition: change.org/p/help-make-riverside-boulevard-safer.