Local Mom Fights for Safer Streets After Near-Fatal Crosswalk Accident

Wood Avenue at Adair Street, Lady Lake, USA - Kristin McCallum, an Armstrong mother, is on a mission for change after she was struck by a vehicle while in a marked crosswalk on Wood Avenue at Adair Street last September. This painful incident, which occurred while she was biking with her eight-year-old son, has ignited her advocacy for enhanced traffic safety measures in her community. With a heartfelt plea for improvements in pedestrian safety, McCallum’s story highlights a significant issue faced by many parents and residents alike.

At the time of the collision, McCallum’s son had not followed her across the street, and the driver reportedly did not see her. This traumatic experience has compelled her to push for improvements, particularly to extend the school zone around Highland Park Elementary and to install a pedestrian-controlled flashing light at the crosswalk. As she pointed out, „the current school zone does not extend far enough on the west side,“ creating hazardous conditions for children and families traversing the area.

Growing Concerns Over Safety

The statistics surrounding pedestrian safety are alarming. Over 8,000 pedestrians were killed in motor vehicle crashes in the U.S. in 2022, which averages to one death every 64 minutes, according to the CDC. This reality has driven McCallum to contact city officials regarding her safety concerns, as she feels their response has been slow. Recently, her fears were echoed when a child was struck by a vehicle near the same elementary school on May 29, bringing the urgent need for action into sharper focus.

Armstrong’s chief administrative officer, Trevor Seibel, has acknowledged these concerns. A traffic engineering review for Wood Avenue is currently underway, which will analyze traffic volumes, speeds, and vehicle counts, with findings expected to reach the city council soon. In the meantime, a delegation of residents has planned to address the council directly about these pressing traffic safety matters.

The Broader Picture

While McCallum’s story is only one of many, it serves as a stark reminder of the challenges young pedestrians face in school zones. There’s something to be said for the need to innovate, particularly in light of insights from a report by Safe Kids Worldwide, which highlights pedestrian safety challenges in these crucial areas. Although pedestrian fatalities have declined overall, incidents involving teenagers have remained disturbingly steady, primarily due to distractions from electronic devices. Teenagers now have nearly double the death rate of younger children — a trend that calls for fresh strategies to protect our youth.

The risks don’t stop there. A lack of clear signage, mid-block crossings without signals, and high traffic conditions have made schools increasingly dangerous. TraffiCalm has introduced solutions like radar speed signs and flashing beacons that can greatly enhance visibility and driver alertness in school zones. These innovative tools could greatly benefit communities like Armstrong looking to improve safety.

Additionally, the CDC emphasizes that higher vehicle speeds are a major contributor to the severity of pedestrian injuries. In urban areas, roads where many pedestrian fatalities occur often have higher speed limits and frequent traffic. McCallum’s push for safety improvements aligns well with recommendations to prioritize safety in urban planning, advocating for strategies like improved lighting and designated pedestrian pathways.

As the community rallies around the pressing concerns for pedestrian safety, McCallum’s advocacy not only echoes her personal experience but also resonates with a broader societal need for actionable change. With increased attention, innovative approaches, and community engagement, the hope remains that measures can be implemented to safeguard our youngest and most vulnerable citizens in these busy school zones.