In a push to increase student security and welfare, Lakeside admin has officially released their new safety initiative: Precise Evaluation of Data for Enhanced Student Transit Regulations In Areas Needing Specific Analysis of Foot Engagement, Traffic Yields, and Navigation Determination Methodologies Operating Based In Limited Interval Travel Yield Enforcement Networks Highlighting All Necessary Crossing Environments Maintaining Efficient Navigation Traffic Patterns Regarding Optimal Transit Operations Conducted On Lakeside Schoolground (PEDESTRIANSAFETYANDMOBILITYENHANCEMENTPROTOCOLS).
In light of recent construction difficulties around campus, along with the development of the new building, admin’s concern about transportation safety was piqued. A student survey revealed that 78% of the student body have gotten into accidents as a result of the following: unmonitored traffic, road-rage from traffic, blinding by loose gravel/dirt, fights initiated by traffic rage, and ankle sprains. “The more we looked into it, we realized that traveling to and around campus was more dangerous than we thought,” David Buerger, Director of Community Safety, admitted sheepishly. “Our commitment to student well-being necessitates a proactive approach to mitigating any potential hazards.”
After three months of strategizing, planning, and fine-tuning, admin identified the three main causes of transportation injury: Automobile on Automobile (AA) collisions, Automobile on Person (AP) collisions, and Person on Person (PP) collisions. It took another two months of brainstorming before the finalized plan came into motion. “We were unsatisfied until PP, AP, and AA collisions were all completely dealt with.” Just this month, in an official debrief, the initiative was revealed.
The centerpiece of the initiative is the deployment of crossing guards along designated pedestrian routes, including the crosswalk to Stimson, the sidewalk from the AAC to Red Square, and the walkway connecting the Upper and Middle Schools. Guards will be stationed every three meters, creating a continuous “safety corridor.”
“Well, I guess the idea was, you know, we already have a guard patrolling the walk to Stimson, and nobody has gotten injured yet, so it must be working pretty well,” Buerger says. That being said, the admin is not willing to “take any risks.”
“We have to take into consideration the distance of unmonitored space,” Buerger elaborates. “We have decided that three meters is a reasonable interval, but even that might be too lenient.” As a backup, admin are looking into possible fallbacks if the safety initiative fails to deliver. Some options mentioned in the debrief include full padded bodysuits for the student body, motion-advanced safety cones, mandatory helmets, and “safe falling” areas.
The new safety measures will take effect immediately, with crossing guards stationed throughout the designated zones. Admin plans to conduct ongoing assessments of the initiative’s effectiveness and make adjustments as needed.
