City to install crosswalk light at site of teens’ death
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A dangerous intersection near Bedichek Middle School will be a little safer before the year is over.
Click here to read a memo to the city council from Austin police and city staff about their investigation and recommendations for the intersection, following a study of the area.
The City of Austin plans to install a push-button crosswalk light at South First Street and Thelma Drive. On Dec. 27 of last year, 17-year-old Joshua Milton and 16-year-old Melodie Hewitt were attempting to cross the intersection when they were struck by a pickup truck. They both died from their injuries.
Austin police reported the cause of the crash was pedestrian failure to yield right-of-way to the vehicle.
Witnesses told police the two teens were looking down at hand-held devices while crossing the street.
Community members have been asking the city for a crosswalk light since the incident. Family, friends and other community members organized a protest at the site of the crash during peak traffic hours shortly after the accident.
"It is dangerous. Cars are not going to stop,” president of the Bedechek Parent-Teacher Association, Angie Avalos, said. “You need to be aware of what's going on."
A school administrator is helping kids cross the street until the city puts the light in. The crosswalk will be installed by the end of September.