Each day, students at Hamilton-Wenham Regional High School cross Bay Road as they walk to and from school. At the same time, parents and students driving to school often turn into the drop-off area, driving directly over the crosswalk. Although signs are posted, many drivers are not thoroughly checking for pedestrians.

Unlike the supervised crosswalk on the opposite side of the school, this one by the drop-off area leaves students completely exposed.

More than 47,000 people are injured in pedestrian crashes every year in the U.S.³ Many students have had close calls at this crosswalk themselves, making It only matter of time before someone gets hurt.

We propose that the Town of Hamilton install Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFBs). These are pedestrian-activated lights that can grab drivers attention, preventing incidents. RRFBs have been shown to increase driver yielding by up to 96%² and reduce pedestrian crashes by up to 47%². RRFBs are also respectably affordable, costing only $22,250 including installation, labor, and materials².

Other schools, like ISANA Academy, have already taken very similar action at their crosswalks to prevent crashes and protect students¹. We believe our school deserves the same level of safety.

Refrences:

1. Academy, ISANA Nascent. 2024. “Sign the Petition.” https://www.change.org/p/isana-nascent-academy-crosswalk-flashing-lights-and-concrete-bollards?source_location=search
2. Carmanah. 2019. https://carmanah.com/resources/overview-rrfb-cost-effectiveness/
3. Merrefield, Clark. 2023. “Pedestrian Safety and Crosswalks: Recent Research.” https://journalistsresource.org/politics-and-government/pedestrian-safety-crosswalks-research/