KAUKAUNA — Safety improvements near Kaukauna’s school zones on the south side are continuing, according to the city’s Public Works Director.
The update comes following concerns expressed last week by a neighborhood resident about worn pavement markings near Quinney and Tanner schools.
In a letter to Kaukauna Community News, Jamie Smithey, who lives in the Thelen Estates neighborhood, says several streets near Electa Quinney Elementary and Dr. H.B. Tanner Early Learning Center have worn or missing school zone pavement markings.
Sullivan Avenue, Glenview Avenue, Parkwood Drive and Thelen Avenue have no indication that drivers are coming up on a school zone, Smithey points out.
“As mentioned in your post, the city and KASD have made several safety improvements in this area as well as other school zones as we evaluate various concerns that are raised each year by parents, police officers, school representatives, and city staff,” John W. Neumeier, Director of Public Works / City Engineer wrote in an email
Neumeier says the main routes into this school zone on Ann Street and Fieldcrest Drive are marked and signed well. Public Works will work with KASD and the police department to review the request for additional signage or restoring markings on side streets and we will continue to improve safe walking routes for kids and for all residents.
“Please realize that the city installing appropriate signage is only half of the battle and if not placed correctly and only where needed, it can have a negative effect. Too much signage tends to lead to people not seeing or not caring to obey the signs. Signs will not stop driver error or carelessness. Signs will not make drivers put down their phones, make a complete stop before the crosswalk, or obey the speed limit,” Neumeier wrote.
The majority of vehicles in this neighborhood at school times are parents dropping off and picking up kids, or people that live in this neighborhood, so additional signage may or may not be the right answer, according to Neumeier.
Neumeier says that when he has observed this area (and other school zones too) he tends to see a fair number of cars pick up kids, then roll through stop signs and crosswalks cutting off other kids and families trying to cross the street, or speed away off to the next stop.
“I make a plea to all drivers to slow down and drive undistracted especially around schools, but in reality, the same ask is needed for all drivers(even me) throughout the entire city,” he said.
What are some good ways to make school zones and all roads safer?
- Watch for and yield to pedestrians at crosswalks.
Neumeier has these suggestions for pedestrians:
- Use the crosswalks, hold your child’s hand around traffic, and thank the crossing guards; they are so amazing to stand out in front of traffic to protect our kids every day, no matter if it’s sunny, snowy, rainy, or cold, and they all do it because they care.
- Put down your phone and be attentive. You need to get places, you need to be there five minutes ago, but slow down, give yourself extra time if you can. Have a plan with your kids in case you are running late so you still have time to make good choices.
- Know the rules of the road and follow them. Lastly, Neumeier says he knows everyone is busy and could be dealing with things that we don’t understand on any given day; not all situations are the same; so, maybe the most simple but effective way to make school zones and all roads safer….be kind.
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