Adviser’s Note: A version of this editorial originally appeared as a letter to the editor of The Stamford Advocate on November 8, 2016.

As representatives of not only Stamford High School, but of the Stamford community as a whole, we are deeply concerned regarding the current safety measures (or really, lack thereof) in place for pedestrians crossing Strawberry Hill Avenue. The need for a crosswalk spanning directly across this main road to the main entrance of Stamford’s flagship school is more pressing now than ever, considering this weekend’s tragedy was by no means the first of its nature to occur in the exact same spot.

Last December, SHS guidance counselor Andrena Forlenzo was hit crossing Strawberry Hill Avenue on her way to work. In 2014, an SHS substitute teacher was struck and killed on Strawberry Hill Avenue. In 2011, two Stamford High students were struck crossing the same street on their way to school. This does not even include accidents involving pedestrians struck who were not affiliated with Stamford High.

Clearly, we have been in need of a crosswalk, or speed bumps at the very least, for some time. Our confusion lies with not what must be done, but with the city’s delay in instituting such safety improvements.

Last year, Stamford High School Principal Ray Manka advocated for the implementation of a Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon to ensure the safety of SHS students and faculty while crossing, and we think it would be an ideal solution. This device is a pedestrian activated warning device, specifically designed for midblock crossings where the average traffic light might not be appropriate or as effective. Such a mechanism might be active during the prime time of arrival and dismissal at SHS.

Stamford High and the entire Stamford community seem to agree on one thing as we mourn the loss of one of our own: while we cannot change what has already happened to too many people in our city, we must now take immediate action to ensure that it will never happen again.

The Round Table Editorial Staff