LOGAN, Utah (ABC 4 News) – A grassroots effort to slow down distracted speeders, is making big strides in Logan. Police, crossing guards and school leaders there are all taking action to make school zones safer.
Kids who now cross 600 South and 1000 West in Logan, don't have to worry as much about distracted speeders.
“They slow down a lot more,” said Tara Wiser, Logan Crossing Guard.
Why? Crossing guards who monitor the street claim new reflective signs make all the difference. They’re bright, easy to see, and tell drivers to pay attention for kids in the crosswalk. ABC 4 checked it out with the Speed Zapper and the numbers don't lie.
But before the 30 signs went in throughout the city, drivers in Logan school zones caused big problems. One crossing guard was hit. Others felt like they were next.
“I've had a couple of close calls where I had one lady come within six inches of hitting me,” said Wiser.
So crossing guards took action and brought their concerns to police.
“We wanted to make it so our crossing were safe for the kids, they're safe for the crossing guards, everyone involved,” said Jeff Curtis, Assistant Chief, Logan Police Dept.
Together they agreed the new signs would help. But one problem - they would cost nearly $8,000 and nobody had any money.
"We didn't have any budget at that time to purchase the signs,” said Curtis.
And that's where the Logan City School District comes in. Police pitched their idea to administrators, and they agreed to dish out the money.
“You can't educate kids if they're not in school, and we want to get the kids to school as safely as possible,” said Zane Woolstenhume, Logan City School District.
And Logan crossing guards are glad they do. They said the signs turned a dangerous congested street into a safer place.
“I love ‘em. I've seen a great improvement in using them,” said Wiser.
If you need Brian to zap speeders in your neighborhood, let him know about it. Just go to the Speed Zapper section of abc4.com. Tell him about the problem. And he’ll zap ‘em.
