The decision to put in a set of traffic lights at the intersection of Leesville Road and Fairbanks Road has finally been made. The installation of the new stop lights began earlier this year.
This particular intersection has always been a popular site for wrecks due to careless drivers and a supposed lack of regulation. Reports asking the state to fix this issue date back as far as 2010 on seeclickfix.com, a website where state residents are able to address issues they think should be fixed.
“A stop light or reduced speed limit is needed on Leesville Road at/near Pinecrest Point Shopping Center…There are many accidents or near accidents as people exceed the 45 mph speed limit through this area…It is also very difficult to make a left turn from Fairbanks onto Leesville due to heavy traffic. Either a light or a reduced speed limit could address this issue. Thank you,” said Esther Bonardi on seeclickfix.
Although the stop light is intended to help prevent future accidents, Leesville students have mixed feelings about the new installation.
One student driver, Anna Phillips, a sophomore, believes that the decision to put in a stop light is a beneficial one, especially after being witness to multiple near-accidents and wrecks in that area.
“[The new traffic light] is good because the amount of drivers around here and the number of wrecks there that involve teenagers is high…the light will bring down that number. It’s safer for the kids that drive home from school who turn left there,” said Phillips.
On the other hand, Claire Collins, Leesville senior, disagrees with the decision.
“I think it’s stupid. There’s no need for it. People in the turning lane that turn on Leesville, they can just wait their turn. It’s just going to back everyone up. [They should] keep it how it was,” said Collins.
No matter what view students and residents have on the new stop light, it is more than likely going to prevent future accidents and further ensure the road safety of Leesville student drivers and families around the area. The installation is expected to be completed within the next few weeks.
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