News Summary
A student was struck by a vehicle near Panther Creek High School, raising alarm about pedestrian safety in Cary. The incident occurred when the student attempted to cross McCrimmon Parkway outside a designated crosswalk. Parents are now advocating for improved safety measures, such as adding crosswalks and traffic lights closer to the school to protect students during heavy morning traffic. Despite ongoing concerns, the school district has yet to announce immediate infrastructure changes.
Cary Students and Parents Call for Safety Improvements After Tuesday Morning Car Accident Near Panther Creek High School
Cary, NC — A student was struck by a vehicle early Tuesday morning near Panther Creek High School, raising concerns among parents and community members about pedestrian safety in the area. The incident occurred around 7 a.m., just before the start of the school day, and prompted immediate response from local authorities.
Details of the Incident
According to police reports, a student was hit by a car while attempting to cross McCrimmon Parkway in front of Panther Creek High School. The driver of the vehicle was identified as another student in a sedan that sustained noticeable damage to its front windshield. Witnesses at the scene reported seeing the collision and described police officers managing the situation.
The student who was hit was not using a designated crosswalk at the time of the accident and was subsequently transported to a nearby hospital for precautionary treatment. Police have confirmed that the injured student’s condition is stable, and they do not expect any long-term health effects. They also stated that no charges would be filed against the driver, as authorities determined the pedestrian was at fault for crossing outside the crosswalk.
Impact on School Operations and Traffic Safety
The crash caused temporary delays in traffic flow around the school zone, prompting police to advise caution among students, motorists, and pedestrians. Multiple police officers responded to the scene to manage traffic and assess safety concerns.
Additionally, police and school officials issued reminders for students to be vigilant when crossing roads and to use designated crosswalks whenever possible. The timing of the incident, just before classes began, heightened awareness about the importance of pedestrian safety in the community.
Community Concerns and Calls for Change
Many parents expressed serious safety concerns following the accident. A common issue highlighted was the location of the nearest crosswalk, which is approximately 800 feet from the school entrance. Parents argue that this distance makes crossing the busy road risky for students, especially during peak traffic times in the morning.
Tim Saguinsin, a parent, shared worries about the safety of children crossing McCrimmon Parkway. He and others have suggested that installing a crosswalk closer to the school or adding a traffic light at the crossing point could significantly improve safety for students and pedestrians.
School District and Official Responses
In response to the incident, the school district has sent out notices to families, urging careful driving in the area and encouraging awareness of students and pedestrians. Despite ongoing concerns, officials have not announced any immediate plans for infrastructure changes.
Requests for Safety Infrastructure Improvements
Parents and community members argue that the current 45-mph speed limit on McCrimmon Parkway, combined with the lack of safety features like enhanced crosswalks or signals, creates a hazardous environment for students crossing the road.
Efforts are underway to seek further safety improvements, with officials contacting the Town of Cary and the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) for information on possible enhancements. As of Tuesday evening, no official responses regarding safety measures or upcoming upgrades had been received.
Background Context
Pedestrian safety near schools has been an ongoing concern in the Cary area, with many calling for improved infrastructure to prevent accidents. The incident at Panther Creek High School highlights the challenges of balancing traffic flow with the safety of students commuting before school hours. Authorities continue to evaluate options for making crossings safer, but community members emphasize that action needs to be taken promptly to prevent future incidents.
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Additional Resources
- WRAL News: Crash Investigation at Panther Creek High
- ABC11: Student Injured in Crash
- HighSchoolOT: Chase Hattley Commits to NC State
- Google Search: Panther Creek High School Safety Measures
- Wikipedia: Pedestrian Safety
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