News Summary
Following a pedestrian accident involving a student near Panther Creek High School, Cary parents and community members are calling for enhanced safety measures. The incident, which occurred during morning drop-off, has raised significant concerns about traffic conditions and the lack of crosswalks along McCrimmon Parkway. Parents are urging local authorities to take action to protect students and reduce the risk of future accidents.
Cary Students and Parents Call for Safety Improvements Following Morning Pedestrian Accident
In Cary, a student was hit by a car early Tuesday morning near Panther Creek High School, raising concerns among local parents and community members about pedestrian safety in the area. The incident occurred around 7 a.m., just as the school day was beginning.
Details of the Incident
The accident took place on McCrimmon Parkway, in front of Panther Creek High School. According to local authorities, the vehicle involved was driven by another student from the school. Witnesses reported seeing the sedan’s front windshield with visible damage after the collision, and multiple law enforcement officers responded to the scene.
The student who was hit was not crossing within a designated crosswalk at the time of the incident. Emergency services transported the injured student to a nearby hospital for precautionary evaluation. Police indicated that the student is expected to recover fully. Authorities also stated that there will be no charges filed against the driver, as the pedestrian was determined to be at fault in the incident.
Impact on School and Traffic Safety
The collision caused nearby traffic delays and prompted safety alerts in the area around Panther Creek High School. Police urged caution for students, pedestrians, and drivers navigating the McCrimmon Parkway corridor during the incident. School officials reported an increase in awareness efforts to ensure student safety, especially during morning arrival hours when visibility and traffic are heightened.
Community Concerns and Calls for Change
Parents of students and local residents have voiced concerns about the safety conditions along McCrimmon Parkway. One key issue highlighted is the distance to the nearest crosswalk, which is approximately 800 feet from the school entrance. As a result, many children attempt to cross the busy roadway at unmarked locations, increasing the risk of accidents.
Tim Saguinsin, a Cary parent, expressed worries for his children’s safety and called for immediate safety enhancements in the neighborhood. He suggested installing a pedestrian crosswalk or traffic light in the vicinity of the accident to better protect students crossing the street during busy mornings. Many parents have emphasized that current safety measures are insufficient given the speed limit and the lack of dedicated pedestrian crossings.
Speed Limits and Infrastructure Considerations
The current speed limit along McCrimmon Parkway near the school is set at 45 miles per hour. Parents argue that this speed, combined with the absence of safety features such as crosswalk signals or additional signage, creates a hazardous environment for students crossing the roadway. Community members are calling for the transportation authorities to evaluate and improve infrastructure in this area.
Response from Local Authorities and Next Steps
Following the incident, the school district has issued notices to families, reminding them to prioritize safety while driving and walking around school zones. Meanwhile, requests for safety enhancements have been directed to the Town of Cary and the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT). As of Tuesday evening, no official response or plans for safety improvements have been announced.
Local officials have been contacted for information regarding potential plans to install additional crosswalks, traffic control devices, or other safety features along McCrimmon Parkway. Community members remain vigilant and hopeful that the incident will prompt meaningful action to reduce future accidents and protect students and pedestrians in the area.
Background Context
Panther Creek High School, located in Cary, typically begins its school day around 7 a.m., with many students arriving and crossing the roadway before the start of classes. The stretch of McCrimmon Parkway near the school is a busy arterial road that serves as a major route for commuters and local traffic. The area has previously seen concerns over pedestrian safety, which have been amplified by recent accidents and ongoing growth in the community.
The incident underscores the importance of implementing comprehensive safety measures, such as better crosswalks, traffic signals, and reduced speeds, especially in school zones where students are frequently crossing streets. Community advocates continue to call for immediate improvements to prevent similar accidents in the future and ensure safer conditions for all.
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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
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RALEIGH STAFF WRITER The RALEIGH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERERaleigh.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Raleigh, Wake 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 North Carolina State Fair, Raleigh Arts Festival, and the Hopscotch Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce and Visit Raleigh, plus leading businesses in technology and education that power the local economy such as Red Hat and NC State University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
