Garner town officials call for school crosswalk change on Timber and Harth Drives
GARNER, N.C. (WTVD) -- A Wake County crossing guard was hit and now police want changes. Garner town officials are diligently working to fast-track a project to keep young students and pedestrians safe.
Police are pushing to have a sidewalk put in along Timber Drive. The speed limit there is 45 miles per hour. Garner Police Chief Brandon Zuidema says the current location of the crosswalk can be dangerous and some drivers are reckless.
"I'm frustrated," said Zuidema. "To some extent, you're driving around with a two to three thousand pound weapon."
Crossing guard Tammy Hawkin was seriously hurt when she was hit. Eyewitnesses say the 53-year-old landed on the hood of a car and the impact sent her several feet away. Hawkins underwent surgery to remove her spleen. She also suffered a broken ankle and fractured leg.
"This is one of the worst case scenarios of what driver inattention results in," said Zuidema.
The accident happened by Aversboro Elementary School. A few students do walk to and from school.
Police want to move the school crosswalk to an intersection once a sidewalk goes in.
"There's a push button for pedestrians to cross safely," said Zuidema. "Sometimes you have to spend what you have to spend in order to be safe."
Town officials did meet Tuesday afternoon to figure out how to expedite the project. The road is owned by the DOT and the department would need to sign off on the project.
The town would have to pay for the sidewalk. Officials aren't sure how much that'll cost, but the town says there is some bond money for this type of construction.
Parents, who have seen many close calls with their children, are thrilled by the prospect.
"I don't think that people register that is a school crossing zone," said Garner parent Dani Walker. "There is a sign there, but it's hard to see, and if you're not familiar with the neighborhoods here, it's very easy to fly right pass it and not know anybody is going to be out in the road."
Town officials will be presenting their findings to council members at next week's meeting.
