Curtis High School has installed brand new traffic lights on Hamilton and St. Marks in an effort to increase safety for students and pedestrians. 

The impact of these traffic lights has resulted in mixed feelings. According to some indifferent students, the new traffic lights didn’t change anything at all. Asha Rou Rivera said, “I don’t go there. I get driven to school and back.” Brendan Elliott, a senior who is very familiar with the intersection, feels that “it doesn’t affect me. I just walk when there’s no cars. Even if the light is red, I just disregard the light and walk across.” His experience is just one of many, with students ignoring the surrounding signals.

 However, some teachers feel that it makes all the difference. Ms. Cadence Turner, a journalism teacher who lives in the neighborhood had this to say: “Living in St. George, I was relieved to see that they finally put a traffic light there, because when school lets out, it’s a very dangerous corner with just a stop sign.” She believes that the presence of a traffic light will help prevent accidents. 

Even with the new light students and other individuals continue to cross the street without paying much attention to the signals. Which seems counterintuitive for the purpose of these lights as they sit in a very densely populated area during rush hour. 

  The installation of the traffic lights was intended to improve safety, but it appears that there is still a need for increased awareness and adherence to traffic regulations. As the school community adjusts to the new traffic lights, everyone may recognize the importance of following traffic rules and being mindful of their surroundings.