McKeesport School District Putting New Safety Measures In Place After 2 Fatal Accidents
McKEESPORT (KDKA) -- The McKeesport Area School District now says it has a plan to ensure what happened to 15-year-old Deonte Cobbs and 14-year-old Alyson Higdon won't happen again.
Both teens were hit and killed here near the intersection of Eden Park and Oneil Boulevards, right outside the middle school.
Cobbs was the most recent death after a school bus struck and killed him last Thursday. Higdon died in March of 2014.
The deaths have many in the community calling for crossing guards at the busy and dangerous intersection.
"Some of these students don't pay attention and they should either have officers or traffic guards out here," said Ron Sullen, of McKeesport.
On Wednesday, the school district unveiled new safety plans. Crossing guards was one of the measures being implemented.
The district also says in addition to the guards, staff and administration will to make sure students cross safely.
A railing will be installed as well along both Eden Park and Oneil Boulevards, which could be critical since many students don't cross at the crosswalk.
"As a teenager, we all run down the hill and say forget the cars, but I really do think that we do need a crossing guard even if though we might not listen to it, but to put us in check," said Dahlasziah Konik, a student.
Additionally, suggested traffic light signal changes will reflect additional time for people to walk, crosswalks have been adjusted and resurfaced, buses will be staggered to aide in visibility during dismissal, additional crosswalk signs will be put up, and there will also be educational programs for students on traffic safety.
The changes were made with the help of PennDOT, the Department of Public Works, the Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission and the City of McKeesport.
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