Students Hit by SUV Spark Lane Tech Safety Notice

After two 15-year-old girls were struck and seriously injured by a SUV outside of Lane Tech High School in October, administrators at the school aren’t taking any chances in an effort to prevent a similar incident from happening.

A “Student Safety Message” pop-up is now the first thing students and residents will see when visiting the high school’s website. Students and parents now have to close the safety alert before continuing to use the website.

The notification reads:

Dear Parent (s) /Guardian (s),

Students are allowed to cross the street only at the stop light or designated pedestrian crosswalks at deemed times.

Unfortunately, we have already had situations where drivers did not notice our students who were standing in the median or in areas not designated as appropriate crossing locations.

Student safety is a priority at Lane Tech College Prep and in order to ensure that our students remain safe, we need full cooperation from our Lane Tech family.

Parent(s)/ Guardian (s), please encourage your children to follow pedestrian crossing rules at all times to help avoid dangerous mishaps. Not following these rules could result in serious injuries or consequences with the Chicago Police Department. If you have any questions, you may contact any Lane Tech administrator.

Sincerely,
The Lane Tech Administration

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The notice comes after two girls were left in critical condition and rushed to Advocate Illinois Masoic Hospital in October after being hit by a Ford Explorer at the 3500 block of North Western Avenue. One of the girls attended Lane Tech, while the other is enrolled at Whitney Young Magnet High School on the West Side.

The accident even sparked a lot of conversation on Patch, with many readers and residents agreeing they’re extra cautious when crossing Western Avenue near the school.

“I’m always extra cautious at that light,” wrote Renae J in the comments. “The kids barely even stay on the curb while waiting for the cross signal. We must be super careful (because) teenagers often aren't!”

What do you think of Lane Tech’s notice? Tell us in the comments.