News Summary
A student was struck by a car while crossing McCrimmon Parkway in front of Panther Creek High School. The incident has raised significant safety concerns among local parents, who are advocating for immediate changes to improve safety for students. Witnesses reported damage to the vehicle, and parents are calling for the installation of a crosswalk closer to the school. The community is hopeful for swift action to ensure safe passage for children as school resumes.
Cary, North Carolina – Safety Concerns Arise After Student Hit by Car Near Panther Creek High School
A student was struck by a car while crossing McCrimmon Parkway in front of Panther Creek High School at around 7 a.m. on Tuesday morning. The incident involved another student as the driver, according to the Cary police. The student pedestrian was not using a designated crosswalk at the time of the accident and was transported to the hospital as a precaution but is expected to make a full recovery.
Witnesses at the scene reported visible damage to the front windshield of the sedan, and multiple police officers were present to manage the aftermath of the crash. The accident led to traffic delays in the area, prompting law enforcement to advise drivers, students, and pedestrians to exercise caution in the vicinity of the school.
Local parents have voiced strong concerns regarding the safety conditions around the school, particularly highlighting that the nearest crosswalk is located 800 feet away from the school entrance. They have called for immediate changes to enhance safety for students crossing McCrimmon Parkway, especially with school starting just around the time of the accident.
One distressed parent expressed fears about the safety of their children on this heavily trafficked roadway. Suggestions from parents include the installation of a crosswalk or a traffic light at the accident site to help safeguard students during the morning rush as they arrive for school.
In light of the incident, the district has proactively reached out to families, issuing reminders to drive attentively and be cognizant of their surroundings, especially during school drop-off times. Several parents have pointed out that the existing 45 mph speed limit and the absence of additional safety features make for a hazardous environment for students crossing the busy street.
Officials from WRAL News attempted to obtain insights from the Town of Cary and the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) regarding the possibility of implementing safety improvements on McCrimmon Parkway. However, as of Tuesday evening, there had been no responses from either entity concerning the concern raised by parents and community members.
The timing of the incident coincided with the start of the school day, making the situation particularly alarming. Incidents like this underscore the urgent need for measures to ensure the safety of students as they navigate busy streets during peak school hours.
Authorities have confirmed that no charges will be filed against the driver involved, as the pedestrian was deemed to be at fault for not using a designated crosswalk. However, discussions and actions regarding improvements to safety protocols and infrastructure around schools will likely gain momentum following this incident.
The community remains hopeful that swift action will be taken to address the issues that have come to light, ensuring that no further accidents occur and that all students can safely travel to and from school. With the school community rallying for change, parents remain watchful of any developments that may arise from this concerning event.
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