News Summary
Following a student being struck by a car near Panther Creek High School, Cary parents are demanding immediate safety improvements on McCrimmon Parkway. The incident highlighted significant concerns over safety measures, with parents advocating for a designated crosswalk and traffic light closer to the school entrance. As many students enter the school at peak traffic times, local authorities are urged to reconsider speed limits and safety interventions to protect student pedestrians. Parents are actively engaging with the Town of Cary and the NCDOT for necessary changes.
Cary Parents Demand Safety Changes Following Student Accident
A student was struck by a car while crossing McCrimmon Parkway near Panther Creek High School at about 7 a.m. on Tuesday. The incident involved another student driving the vehicle, according to local police. The injured student was not using a designated crosswalk at the time of the accident and was taken to a hospital for precautionary reasons. Authorities have reported that the student is expected to make a full recovery.
Accident Details
Witnesses observed significant damage to the front windshield of the sedan involved in the accident, and multiple police officers arrived at the scene promptly. The crash resulted in delays throughout the area around the school, leading officers to caution students, pedestrians, and motorists to exercise increased vigilance while navigating the vicinity.
Community Concerns Over Safety
In the wake of the accident, parents have raised concerns regarding safety measures in place for students crossing McCrimmon Parkway. Many have noted that the nearest crosswalk is located 800 feet from the school entrance, prompting discussions about the urgent need for improved safety features. Some parents suggested implementing a crosswalk or a traffic light in the vicinity of the incident to enhance the safety of students.
Driving Hazards and Speed Limit Concerns
Parents have expressed fears regarding the existing 45 mph speed limit on McCrimmon Parkway, arguing that the current regulations and lack of adequate safety measures contribute to a hazardous environment for students. In response to the accident, the school district has circulated notices reminding families to drive attentively and stay aware of their surroundings as students arrive for the school day.
Requests for Safety Improvements
Following the incident, inquiries were made to the Town of Cary and the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) about potential safety enhancements on McCrimmon Parkway, focusing on crosswalk installation and traffic regulation revisions. However, as of Tuesday evening, there had been no official response regarding the future of such safety measures.
Background Information
The school day at Panther Creek High School begins at approximately 7 a.m., coinciding with peak traffic times, as students arrive at the school. This timing creates a particularly challenging scenario for student safety, especially when considering the intersection of traffic and pedestrian movement in the area. The need for designated crosswalks and other traffic control measures has long been a topic of interest among local parents and community members.
In the aftermath of the accident, the community’s demand for improved safety is a reflection of ongoing concerns about student well-being in light of the increasing traffic around schools. The combination of student drivers and pedestrians entering the roadway during drop-off times poses risks that many parents hope to see addressed 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
Author: STAFF HERE INDIANAPOLIS WRITER
The INDIANAPOLIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREIndianapolis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Indianapolis, Marion County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Indianapolis 500, Indy Jazz Fest, and the Indiana State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Indy Chamber and Visit Indy, plus leading businesses in motorsports and healthcare that power the local economy such as Indianapolis Motor Speedway and IU Health. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Indiana's dynamic landscape.
