Two days after a pedestrian was struck by a vehicle while crossing Stadium Drive near Rock Spring Road, the Town of Wake Forest has taken a number of steps towards making the busy intersection safer for both pedestrians and motorists.
On Wednesday, a 17-year-old Wake Forest High School student was walking within the crosswalk when she was struck by a vehicle attempting to turn from Stadium Drive onto Rock Spring Road. The victim sustained non-life threatening injuries.
Starting Wednesday afternoon, Wake Forest Police began monitoring the area during the mornings and afternoons.
On Thursday, crews re-marked the crosswalks to make the crossings more defined and more visible. Town officials also coordinated with Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary to close one of the driveways into the SEBTS gravel lot along Rock Spring Road due to the entrance’s close proximity to the intersection.
Also on Thursday, the Town ordered lighted pedestrian crossing signs that will be installed in the coming days along Stadium Drive and Rock Spring Road. The LED-lighted signs will provide motorists with a high-visibility, real-time warning that pedestrians are in or about to enter the crosswalk.
While these initiatives are designed to make the intersection safer, officials say motorists can do their part by slowing down, practicing safe school zone driving practices and being aware of cyclists, pedestrians and buses.