Metchosin parents are overcoming road blocks, as they push for better traffic safety measures outside Hans Helgesen Elementary School.
Resident Morgan Bley, who has been part of the elementary schoolB次元官网网址檚 Parent Advisory Council for six years, spoke at the Feb. 1 council meeting on behalf of her family, and other worried parents about the issue.
B次元官网网址淲e are bringing to council our deepest concern that another year is passing without the improvements to road safety that we really need to see in that structure of Rocky Point Road,B次元官网网址� said Bley.
She warned council of high congestion, speeding issues, and cars moving in every direction. She highlighted a personal story, where her toddler ran out of her grip along the busy road, but was luckily not hit.
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B次元官网网址淢y heart stopped. People were honking. It was a horrible moment,B次元官网网址� Bley said. B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 very anxiety producing to have small children in tow, and to worry that someone is going to get confused with all the different directions people are giving.B次元官网网址�
She read multiple statements from other parents, saying the ongoing issue has yet to see resolution.
B次元官网网址淲e have one community school, it defies logic that it should be so complicated to get better safety measures put in place,B次元官网网址� read one statement. B次元官网网址淭here are simply not enough highly visible safety implements in place.B次元官网网址�
Another parent, Kristen Lewis, told council she was struck by a vehicle in September along Rocky Point Road right in front of the school. Her vehicle was parked along the side of the road opposite of Hans Helgesen, and she was hit shortly after she loaded her children into her vehicle.
B次元官网网址淚 faced my vehicle, waiting for vehicles to pass before I opened my door, and was hit broad side on the shoulder and crushed into the side of my car,B次元官网网址� said Lewis. B次元官网网址淚 screamed, my two sons screamed.B次元官网网址�
Coun. Sharie Epp said a speed radar sign from elsewhere in Metchosin will be moved to Hans Helgesen. Epp also put in a request for two light up B次元官网网址渟low downB次元官网网址� signs to be added to each side of the road in the school zone.
A meeting is also expected between Metchosin Mayor John Ranns, Sooke School District Chair Ravi Parmar, and District CEO Lisa Urlacher. No date has been determined.
Parmar noted that during the pandemic, more parents are driving their children to school, so that could result in more traffic throughout school zones.
B次元官网网址淚 am thankful for the parents who raised the issue,B次元官网网址� he said. B次元官网网址淪chool zones and traffic is not a isolated challenge at Hans Helgesen, but all across the province. This is a good reminder for people to drive responsibly when using the road, in a school zone or not.B次元官网网址�
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