A cooperative project between the Malone Central School District and the Village of Malone to enhance safety on the mid-block crosswalk between the Malone Middle School on Webster St. and the school’s athletic field is now operational. During fall and spring semesters, many students use this crosswalk to go between the school and the field, often with a physical education class crossing together.
In recent years, far too many drivers were failing to obey the school speed limit of 20 mph, putting students and other pedestrians in danger by not properly yielding to them, as required by law.
To address this problem, the school agreed to purchase and install new crosswalk signs complete with rectangular rapid flashing beacons (RRFBs) that are pedestrian-activated. In addition, the village agreed to install new crosswalk warning signs and better pavement markings for the Webster St. crosswalks in the vicinity of the school. The work was completed in early September, just prior to the opening of the school year.
Experience with crosswalks, including RRFBs in two locations on the heavily traveled US Route 11 in the village of Malone, shows excellent driver compliance when the beacons are flashing. It is expected that driver compliance with the new RRFBs and newly painted crosswalks will increase pedestrian safety significantly in the area of the Middle School.
Although pedestrians have not been hit in that area, there have been several near misses. “We wanted to improve pedestrian safety before someone does get hit,” said Brandon Pelkey, Superintendent of Schools. Malone Police Chief Bill Andre agreed, and said village police will be watching closely to make sure drivers obey the 20-mph school speed limit, which is in effect from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. on school days, even if students are not present.
At Davis Elementary School, also on Webster St., the 20-mph speed limit is in effect from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. on school days, the same as the Middle School.
Two other elementary schools in Malone — St. Joseph’s (on Elm St.) and Flanders (Route 11/East Main St.) – already have flashing beacons operating whenever the 20-mph school speed limit is in effect. That includes evening hours for school functions, such as sporting events, science fairs, and any school event taking place after dismissal.
In New York State, school speed limits controlled by flashing beacons are in effect whenever the beacons are flashing. If no beacons are present, the times the speed limit is in effect should be noted on signs at the beginning of the school speed limit, and can be from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., or whatever times are posted.
No one wants to hit a student. Drivers will lose less than 10 seconds by slowing to 20 mph when traveling through school speed limit areas. But if you get stopped by police for speeding, you’ll lose a lot of time and money because fines are doubled for violations of school speed limits and you’ll receive 3 to 11 points on your license, depending on your speed. Bottom line: It’s not worth it to save a few seconds.