PICKERINGTON, Ohio — A close call at an intersection by a Pickerington elementary school has a parent calling for change in the neighborhood.
According to a report by Pickerington Police, a car turning right from Sycamore Creek Street onto Fairfield Drive hit Bess Eley’s 9-year-old son as he was running across the street on September 11. The report says he hit the side of the car and his foot was run over.
Eley said her son is OK but is still a little scared of the whole situation.
“It was definitely a scary call to get,” Eley said. “I will say it’s the first negative encounter we’ve had with Pickerington Schools. We’re proud to live here. We’re proud to call this home. It’s a great neighborhood. It was definitely scary. The police have handled it very well. Now we’re just glad he is ok.”
10TV spoke with Eley before Monday evening’s board of education meeting. She said she wants to see more done at the intersection to keep this from happening to another child.
“The school has done a really great job. We have one security guard who does the exit of the school, but I think right here is where we really need it right now, especially with someone getting hit and so many near misses.”
A spokesperson for Pickerington Local Schools told 10TV that the district does not currently have a crossing guard program.
“Our team has been actively involved in reinforcing crossing precautions at the site. We've observed conditions and talked with students to emphasize the importance of crossing safely and adhering to traffic protocols. Also, there is a special duty post nearby and will often assist with traffic in the area and students' safety as needed,” read a statement from the district.
Eley said she has met with the district’s director of safety and security. She said she was told nothing could be changed immediately, but more lights and signage could be put up eventually.
“I offered to start a volunteer crossing guard program, there are plenty of concerned parents, especially of the walkers. He said we would need classes and training and it would be a liability on the district’s end,” she said.
The district’s spokesperson said it is an option they are now considering for the long-term safety of students.
Eley addressed the school board at Monday’s meeting.
“I believe it is negligent to do nothing. I have made a suggestion and it was denied by the district. What would the district recommend beyond having additional discussions with our children? Our children’s safety is paramount and we cannot stand by and allow other accidents to happen,” she said.
10TV watched the intersection on Monday. Over an hour, several drivers were seen rolling through the stop signs.
Pickerington Police said when the incident happened, they looked up the history of incidents at that intersection and found it was the only one of its kind in the last three years.