Accident involving Newmarket students prompts road safety talks

Yorkregion.com
May 8, 2017
By Teresa Latchford

An accident on Mulock Drive has sparked discussion around safety.

At 3:08 p.m. on April 28, York Regional Police received a call that two pedestrians had been struck on Mulock Drive west of Leslie Street. When officers arrived, they confirmed two 15-year-old female Newmarket High School students had been struck by a black minivan.

“The driver did remain on scene,” confirmed Const. Andy Pattenden. “Both the girls were injured and transported to the local hospital.”

The youth had failed to use the crosswalk located less than a minute’s walk from the school and attempted to cross the street from the high school. Both were charged with failing to use a crosswalk.

On May 1, Newmarket High School parents received a letter sent home from principal Erik Gordon.

“The concern expressed over the past few days for these two students and their families demonstrates the connection we share in this community. It is also clear that, as a community, we are deeply invested in the well-being and safety of our children,” he wrote. “This has been expressed by community members recently, and in the past, with specific reference to the dangers of crossing Mulock Drive outside of the designated areas.”

Elected officials, parents, school and school board representatives as well as York Region and Newmarket staff met this week to discuss possible solutions to the issue at hand.

“As much as everyone would like to see things done quickly, some options will take more time to consider than others,” Newmarket Regional Coun. John Taylor said.

The school is already planning the launch of an education campaign about the importance of using the crosswalk to get to the other side of Mulock Drive in an area where a hill creates a blind spot for drivers and for pedestrians.

Signage and fencing changes are also being considered along with an increased police presence, according to Taylor. York Regional Police will monitor the area, speaking with students when needed and watching driving speeds along the road.

As for a longer term solution, it will take time to ensure anything done will truly be effective before committing resources to implement, according to Taylor.