An influx of yellow buses, lists of needed supplies, and perhaps the sounds of cheering parents: all are signs that traditional-calendar schools are opening at the end of the month. It's a particularly significant time for drivers to be alert for students crossing roads.
“As families adjust to new routines, the beginning of every school year is an important time for drivers to be alert to their surroundings,” said Holly Springs Police Chief Paul Liquorie.
The Town of Holly Springs has elevated crosswalk safety with flashing beacons that pedestrians can activate to alert drivers of their presence and bright flags for pedestrians at several key locations in Town.
Flashing beacons are located at several crosswalks near schools and around Town. When drivers see the flashing lights, they should stop for pedestrians crossing the road.
“As always, pedestrians should not begin crossing until vehicles have stopped for them,” Liquorie noted. “Flashing beacons are not stoplights, and pedestrians should not assume that drivers will yield to them.”
Walkers also can find bright flags placed beside crosswalks on Holly Springs and Bass Lake roads, and at the signalized crosswalk on Avent Ferry near the Holly Grove schools. Flags can be placed in the bucket on the opposite side of the crosswalk for those traveling in the other direction. Residents in 12 Oaks may notice the Town’s freshly striped crosswalks near Oakview Elementary.
For Drivers
- Stop for pedestrians at crosswalks to allow them to cross.
- Use extra caution when traveling in hard-to-see conditions, such as nighttime or bad weather.
- Follow slower speed limits in school zones and in neighborhoods where children are present.
- Never pass vehicles stopped at a crosswalk. There may be people crossing that you can’t see
For Pedestrians
- When available, use flashing beacons or flags to help alert drivers to your presence.
- Remember, the flashing beacons only provide a warning to motorists. Make sure vehicles are stopping before walking onto a crosswalk.
- If the timer on a signalized crosswalk is counting down, do not enter the crosswalk; wait for the next cycle.
- Walk on sidewalks whenever they are available. If there is no sidewalk, walk facing traffic and as far from traffic as possible