CARY BEGINS INSTALLING SCHOOL ZONE WARNING FLASHERS AT 26 CARY SCHOOLS

New solar-powered flashers will help draw attention to special speed limits in school zones

CARY , NC – As part of the Town of Cary ’s continuing efforts to maximize safety for motorists and pedestrians, Town crews have begun installing 62 school zone warning flashers and signs at all public schools in Cary To better alert motorists of the school zones and draw attention to speed zone speed limits.  The signs and flashers are being installed throughout the summer and should be complete by the start of the traditional school year in August.  Drivers are reminded that school zone speeds are in effect 30 minutes before and 30 minutes after school hours; speeding violations within school zones carry a $50 fine plus court costs.

“The safety of our children is of the utmost importance, and we expect this initiative to lead to a safer environment for both pedestrians and motorists in Cary ’s school zones,” said Deputy Chief of Police Barry Nickalson.  “Motorists are strongly advised to slow down as they approach school zones, abide by speed limits, and be on the lookout for students who may not be paying attention to traffic.”

As shown here, the nearly 14-foot tall combined flasher and sign display the speed limit, and an amber warning flasher above the sign helps heighten awareness of the speed limits.  The visor-covered flasher is solar powered through a panel atop the sign that is angled to absorb the maximum sunlight exposure.

The installation is a result of an in-depth review of pedestrian safety and traffic volumes near Green Hope High School following two vehicle-pedestrian crashes near the school in August and September 2006.  As part of the review recommendations, the Cary Town Council unanimously approved an ordinance amendment and policy in July 2007 that provided for lowering speed limits in school zones by 10 miles per hour in Cary’s school zones with no speed zone less than 25 miles per hour; the Council also approved a $260,000 appropriation to install signs and warning measures as part of the recommendations.

“While these are county schools and state roads, the children are ours, and we’re committed to doing everything possible to help keep them safe,” said Nickalson.  “These accidents were sad and difficult for everyone involved, and we’re hopeful that the new signs will make a real difference in motorists’ behavior around schools.”

So far, Town crews have already installed six signs at two Cary schools:  Green Hope High and Cary High.  And signs displaying specific school start times are being installed in advance of the new speed limit and flasher signs.  Officials are also looking into connecting the flashers to Cary ’s Traffic Management Center so that staff can operate the signs remotely.

The signs and flashers account for more than $220,000 of a $260,000 safety recommendations package.  Funding for the project comes from the Town’s Transportation Capital Project fund. 

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