NEWS RELEASE: MOUNT RAINIER COMMITS TO STUDENT SAFETY: ENDORSES PGCPS PARENT LEADERS' STATEMENT ON CROSSING GUARDS AND SCHOOL ZONE SAFETY IN WAKE OF TRAGIC LOSS OF TWO ELEMENTARY STUDENTS
Mount Rainier, MD – The City of Mount Rainier announces its endorsement of the Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS) Parent Leaders Statement and Call to Action on Crossing Guards and School Zone Safety, prompted by the recent tragedy in Riverdale Park, MD where two students lost their lives on the way to school.
On November 20, two elementary students were killed after being struck by a van while crossing Riverdale and Taylor Rd. on their way to Riverdale Elementary School. In the aftermath of the tragedy, PGCPS parents at the City's local schools Mount Rainier Elementary and Thomas S. Stone Elementary, and schools throughout Prince George’s County released a statement calling for the Prince George’s County Police Department to immediately fill vacant crossing guard positions to deter the occurrence of similar incidents. Additionally, the statement calls for the County government to work with local municipalities and PGCPS to reallocate funds to make this a reality.
Mayor Celina Benitez, also a parent of an elementary student, emphasized the urgency of the call to action, "While we acknowledge the County has challenges filling these positions, immediate action needs to be taken to ensure the safety of our children,” she said. “In Mount Rainier, the police officers of the Mount Rainier Police Department step in as crossing guards when needed, ensuring the safety of students and families but we need to work together for permanent solutions,” she added.
Aligned with a commitment to road safety, the City of Mount Rainier is in the midst of enacting a Vision Zero plan, is actively allocating funds and applying for federal dollars, and participates in regular events to call attention to the need for safer routes to schools.
“We must continue to shine a light on people navigating what can be dangerous conditions on the way to school, the transportation infrastructure needs, and most importantly, we must produce safer streets for everyone,” added Councilmember Valerie Woodall.
Information on the City of Mount Rainier’s Safe Streets for All project can be found here.