OREGON, OH (Toledo News Now) - Two Oregon schools have made walking conditions safer for students by installing four 20 mph school zone signs. Two of the flashing signs are located in front of Clay High School on Seaman Road. The other two are on Coy Road near Cardinal Stritch Catholic High School.
Speeding through a school zone is illegal and dangerous. So Safe Kids of Greater Toledo and FedEx teamed up to make two school zones in Oregon safer.
"They all met and determined that the school zone speeds were an issue. From there they received training. And from there, we've installed these signs," said Amanda Brodbeck with Safe Kids of Greater Toledo.
Clay and Cardinal Stritch students were presented with a $25,000 check Thursday morning. The money is designated for projects that secure safety for students and pedestrians.
"We want to increase awareness for pedestrians and also educate the public on safety issues, while advocating for law enforcement," explained Brodbeck.
The signs are solar powered and only flash during school hours, monitored from inside the school.
"One of the lights has a master controller, so we're able to go in and do timings. So if there is a delay, you can set them back and they won't come on for the delay," said Rodney Shultz, a deputy engineer for Oregon.
The city of Oregon installed the same signs on Starr Avenue last year.
"Speeds dropped in those locations. We're hoping with these signs here, the higher visibility of these signs here, will let people know this is a school zone and they need to slow down. Hopefully we will see that same result," said Shultz.
Officials from Safe Kids of Greater Toledo expect these signs to decrease speeds in school zones, as well as help make students' walks or bike rides to school safer.
