Traffic flow and student safety in Mansfield received a helping hand with the addition of the new traffic light for the Ben Barber Career Tech Academy parking lot. The light assures students pass safely onto the always-busy Debbie Lane.

“I wish we had the light the day this building opened,” Officer Thompson of Mansfield PD said.

After the nine wrecks and three care-flights directly outside Ben Barber during the 2008-09 school year, Officer Thompson now watches the road daily to impressive results. The parking lot empties in about 11 minutes during each passing period, compared to the 16 to 18 minute average from last year.

“I’ve had a class here every year and the traffic flows so much smoother now,” senior Richard Nelson said.

Nelson, along with all other students and teachers polled concerning the new light, considers the addition a good thing. Even the students who do not completely love the light agree.

“The good outweighs the bad,” junior Shalee Strawn said.

Ben Barber teachers generally agree about liking the new traffic light.

“We want the same number of students walking out as walking in,” teacher Casey Lee said.

Another satisfied teacher, John Tarrant, believes the only way the traffic flow could be improved is to have the school zone signs turned on during school passing periods. Regardless, the cars still move at a healthy pace.

Mr. Orta, Ben Barber’s Assistant Principal, said 30 to 40 cars pass per green light and barely interrupt cars driving on Debbie, making the decision good for everyone.

The idea for a stop light was pursued by both Ben Barber and other district administrators for years. Officer Thompson is happy to finally have the traffic control.

“We fought the battle and finally won,” he said.