Over the past two months, our Palisades neighborhood has experienced two pedestrian incidents where walkers were stuck by a car —one at the intersection of Overlook and Stafford, and another just this past week on Greentree Ave. These moments are a sobering reminder that pedestrian safety is something we all share responsibility for.
Our neighborhood is full of people walking, biking, and especially students traveling to and from school. That means every time we get behind the wheel, we’re not just driving—we’re helping protect our community.
Why Driving Slowly Matters—Especially Near Schools
Driving at lower speeds in residential areas and school zones is one of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent accidents. Children, in particular, can be unpredictable. They may be distracted, harder to see, or suddenly enter the street without warning. Slowing down gives you the time and space to react.
Here’s why it matters:
- Protecting our most vulnerable: Children don’t always look both ways or understand traffic risks. They rely on drivers to be alert and cautious.
- Limited visibility: Parked cars, buses, and landscaping can obscure pedestrians—especially small children—until the last moment.
- More time to react: Lower speeds dramatically reduce stopping distance, giving drivers a better chance to avoid collisions.
- Reducing severity of injuries: When accidents do happen, slower speeds can mean the difference between minor injuries and life-threatening harm.
- It’s the law: School zone speed limits exist for a reason—and ignoring them puts lives at risk.
A Simple Ask to Our Neighbors
Please slow down. Stay alert. Watch for people walking and biking—especially near our neighborhood schools.
Be extra mindful of:
- Crossing guards
- School buses with flashing lights
- Children crossing streets or riding bikes
We all want Palisades to remain a safe, welcoming place for families. Small actions—like easing off the gas—can make a life-saving difference.
Let’s look out for one another. 🚸
