Indian Spring

Gazette Article on Pedestrian Safety in Indian Spring

The Silver Spring Gazette ran an article by Agnes Jasinski this morning about the boy who was hit by a car last week and pedestrian safety in Indian Spring.  It's short but hits all the major points, and should help heighten awareness of this issue.

Pedestrian Safety

There has been a lot of passionate discussion on the listserv in the aftermath of a 12-year old Indian Spring resident being hit by a car last week on Franklin at Seminole.  The community is rightly concerned that this is not the first incident involving a child being struck by a car at or near this same intersection.  I have already heard from several parents, including a resident whose daughter was hit by a car while riding her bike in this area in 2006.  Clearly the residents of Indian Spring want to know that the County and the police are taking this problem seriously.   We got some helpful feedback from the community on the listserv with concrete suggestions for improving safety.  Pedestrian Safety coordinator and former ISCA President Jennifer Chambers has sent a list of possible safety improvements for that intersection to DPWT, including re-striping of the crosswalk, paddle signs, and better lighting on Franklin at night.  Download pedestrian_safety_requests.doc We appreciate her efforts and hope the County responds. Some residents have also re-introduced the idea of speed bumps on Franklin, which ISCA could apply for. Meanwhile, we've decided to add the issue of pedestrian safety to the issues we'd like to discuss with the police at the next ISCA General Meeting, December 10, 7:30pm, at the rec center.  I hope everyone who's concerned about crime and pedestrian safety will be there. 

Child Hit by Car

ISCA Board member Allegra Tasaki reported some sad news this weekend:  "On Tuesday, early evening, a young boy of 12 was hit by a car on Franklin near Seminole while walking home with friends. He was taken to Children's Hospital where he is currently in intensive care with skull fractures. The last update about his health was that due to reduced swelling, his prognosis is good."  This story underscores the need for serious action where pedestrian safety is concerned.  PREZCO, the council of community association presidents, under the leadership of Indian Spring resident Andrew Kleine, has been working on pedestrian safety recommendations as the County formulates a  pedestrian safety plan.  This is important and timely work given the recent spate of accidents.  Meanwhile, we hope everyone - especially kids - will take maximum care crossing streets, especially busy ones with blind spots like Franklin.