NORTHAMPTON — A driver hit a crossing guard with his truck outside Northampton High School earlier this week, highlighting the Elm Street traffic dangers that district officials are working with the city to address.
In a statement shared by the Northampton High School PTO, Principal Lori Vaillancourt wrote that police and an ambulance responded to a “hit-and-run incident” on Wednesday morning, but police said the driver did stop and check on the crossing guard before leaving the scene.
Northampton Police Capt. Victor Caputo said that at around 8:57 a.m., the 53-year-old driver from Holyoke made a right turn onto Elm Street and didn’t see the crossing guard in the crosswalk. His pickup truck hit the crossing guard’s hand and the sign he was holding.
The crossing guard, a 20-year-old man from Northampton, was “upset” and told the driver to “look both ways” and leave so he could keep working, Caputo said. Officers spoke with the driver later, determined that no charges would be filed and advised him to pay closer attention.
The extent of any injuries to the crossing guard is not clear. Superintendent John Provost declined to discuss his condition, citing medical privacy.
“I’m extremely upset,” Provost said. “Improving traffic safety at the high school is something that the school department has been working on with other city departments. I’ve spoken before the Traffic Commission on this issue twice, encouraging improvements to be made.”
Vaillancourt wrote that a temporary parking ban is in effect in the area. Police and public works officials observed the arrival and dismissal of students on Thursday morning to strategize short-term safety improvements.
Vaillancourt asked “that drivers increase their awareness regarding pedestrian and bike safety. Please monitor your speed and heighten your awareness as you enter intersections and crosswalks.”
Provost said all drivers should use caution around schools and buses, but especially during arrival and dismissal times, and that shoveling snow from sidewalks improves student safety, as well.
“It makes the route to school much safer for the many hundreds of students who are going to be walking past their property,” Provost said.
The Northampton High School Council — a group of students, parents and teachers — is working to publicize the importance of safe driving.
In October, a driver hit and killed Charlie Braun, 69, while he was riding his bike outside Northampton High School. Haley Kelly-Sherette, 23, of Williamsburg, is charged with negligent motor vehicle homicide, failing to stop for a stop sign and use of an electronic device while driving.
Another school where the district struggles with safety is Bridge Street School, which sits at a busy intersection, Provost said.
Brian Steele can be reached at bsteele@gazettenet.com.