A few students at Greenfield Central Jr High worked together this past week to write a letter requesting a safer crosswalk between their school and the library. They've collected signatures around the school, but we know parents and members of our community want to show their support for this cause as well. I've included the letter from the students below. Thank you so much if you decide to sign or share this! 

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Dear INDOT Greenfield District - East Central Indiana,

 

Imagine you are a student who needs to walk home after school. In order to do so, you must cross one the busiest streets in our area. Cars roaring in from the roundabout immediately speed up to around 35 miles per hour before suddenly dropping into a school zone. This is what makes crossing for students unsafe. The speeding cars leave them no time to react. The crosswalks near the roundabout are not even safe for the students to cross.

 

Of course, there is nothing more important than the safety of students, so adding at least a crossing light next to McBride St. will help the students prevent any horrific accidents and emotional pain from getting hit by a speeding vehicle. There are crosswalks that are currently surrounding the roundabout, but it is still unsafe for students to cross. Cars can not stop for kids, nor will they slow down when they are turning a corner. Because of this, the crosswalks students walk on are very dangerous for the student's safety. It's also a reason why students cross right before the library.

 

Students crossing before the library is still a good idea. Adding a crossing light where the sidewalk first stops will make it secure for students, and even drivers since it is a safer place to stop for pedestrians. A crosswalk ahead sign will also be helpful for drivers to warn them that there could be people who need to cross, especially during the spring when more students are walking.

 

You may think that our safety has improved much more now, and money shouldn't be spent on such a trivial task, but statistics can prove otherwise. In Indiana in 2017, there had been a total of 2,525 deaths from collisions, and 114 were killed. And 238 kids 15 and younger were involved in traffic crashes as pedestrians, 20-25% being school traffic.

 

Even if a crossing light was not something you're interested in, perhaps hiring a crossing guard or lowering the speed limit could be useful too. Hiring a crossing guard can be extremely helpful and will most definitely be keeping pedestrians safe from getting caught up in collisions. Lowering the speed limit at least a bit can also help students be less likely to get hit by moving vehicles.

 

Although, it is requested that schools should not be dealing with the road safety issues. Paying for a crossing guard or having lights built on Franklin St. can take a lot of money from the school, which is one of many who's facing local state national budget cuts. A lot of the school's money should go to other important resources, like special needs students who already struggle, instead of something that is out of their control on the roads.

 

Without any safe precautions on the road, it is unsafe for kids to get to their destination. So adding a crossing light next to McBride St. can make it much easier for people wanting to cross the busy street unharmed, especially during school hours. It will be a relief for parents who worry for their children if they know that there is a safe way for their kids to walk. I hope this letter finds your interest and you consider these ideas for future residents.

 

From,

Students of Greenfield Central Junior High School