During advisory on May 19, a Legacy student crossing Business 287 Highway was hit by a car. The student was transported to a local hospital and is recovering in stable condition. District and campus administrators, first responders and campus police arrived on the scene immediately after the accident.
“There is a perception with students that crossing the street is okay–in the morning, during Ben Barber transition times, and after school. It’s not okay. It’s dangerous,” Dr. Bonneau said. “That road is a highway and the speed limit is 45 miles per hour. Not all of the drivers are paying attention. No one should walk across that street at any time during the day.”
Legacy remains a closed campus, meaning students can not leave for lunch or any other reason throughout the day without being checked out by a parent or guardian. Students traveling to Ben Barber should travel directly to the campus via school buses or personal vehicles. It is unclear whether the student involved was traveling to Ben Barber.
“Being a closed campus is a student safety issue. Students have a place to eat on campus, and microwaves are provided for students that want to bring lunch from home,” Dr. Bonneau said. “Students are not supposed to leave campus. That’s the policy.”
Parents of students have expressed the need for additional lighting, crosswalks and flashing caution lights for students to safely cross Business 287 (North Main Street), but since the road is technically a state highway, neither the school nor the district can implement these changes. While district and city officials are working together to encourage these changes, complaints and requests should be directed to the Texas Department of Transportation.
“I wouldn’t recommend kids ever cross Main Street, as it is considered a highway, and you really shouldn’t cross a highway. There’s a number of factors that go in there as to why you shouldn’t cross the highway–if the driver is on a cell phone, if their response time is not as quick,” School Resource Officer Barry Thornton said. “Never cross that street, or any highway, because the chances are too high. If it happens to you, you’re not going to win in that situation, unfortunately.”
As the last day of school approaches, students can expect stricter policies in order to ensure safety across the campus.
“There will be closer monitoring of everything this week, not just because of the accident. Students can expect teachers to keep them in class and can expect more monitoring of the parking lots and hallways leading to exits,” Dr. Bonneau said. “We want the last days of school to be good ones for everyone.”
Campus administrators have continuously reminded students not to cross the street at any point before, during or after the school day. Additionally, the reminder is included in the weekly update sent to students and parents each week.
“I hope this accident is a reality check for students. Crossing North Main Street is dangerous,” Dr. Bonneau said. “I’m so thankful the student involved in the accident is stable and recovering, as it could’ve been so much worse.”
