Cary installing flashing school zone warning signs

Cary, N.C. — Crews have started installing school zone warning flashers and signs at all public schools in Cary, officials said Thursday.

The signs and flashers will be installed throughout the summer and should be complete by the start of the traditional school year in August, officials said. Drivers are reminded that school zone speeds are in effect 30 minutes before and 30 minutes after school hours and that speeding violations within school zones carry a $50 fine plus court costs.

The installation follows an in-depth review of pedestrian safety and traffic volumes near Green Hope High School, where two vehicle-pedestrian crashes occurred in August and September 2006. The Cary Town Council also has lowered speed limits in local school zones by up to 10 mph.

“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,” Cary Deputy Police Chief Barry Nickalson said in a statement. “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.”

Officials are also looking into connecting the flashers to Cary’s Traffic Management Center so that staff can operate the signs remotely.