Ever get tired of talking about things you can't change?
http://protectoakridgekids.blogspot.com/
So you must be one of the ladies I've seen on the corner of Robertsville and Illinois Ave as I drive to work in the morning? See, someone has noticed your efforts 
See, someone has noticed your efforts
But is it enough to prompt action by others?
Can you spare an hour a month to make a real difference?
That's all it would take if every subscriber to this forum pitched in.
For those who are interested, good things are happening. Lot's still to do, but progress is always better than the alternative.
Trina:
Good letter to the editor in today's Oak Ridger!
I have to wonder, tho, if the Oak Ridger held back your letter so they could print it the same day as the story on the front page stating that flashing school zone lights will be installed on Illinois Ave?
And John Smith is correct; the school zone slow down on Illinois is "going to be a rude awakening for a lot of people." But I'm glad it's going to happen. Those same people you observe who blast thru the Illinois/Robertsville intersection at 50 - 60 mph and/or run the red light are likely the same ones who do the same at the Illinois/West Outer intersection. I see that everyday both going to work and going home, and it's scary.
Thanks, Opus! I’m happy that some progress is being made. But, as you’ve pointed out, the flashing lights are only one piece of a much larger puzzle – which should include equal consideration for the other major intersection, children crossing between the two, authentic and empowered crossing guards, reinforcement by the police, etc.
I’m actually glad that they ran both at the same time. Dr. Bailey, in true Dr. Bailey fashion, re-affirmed some of my points. His overwhelming message in this article is consistent with his previous statements: “We're not responsible for this problem – but, we'll be the first to take credit for any solutions that are implemented.”
I agree with Opus. Good letter.
Excellent letter in today's paper Trina. Keep up the good work and the pressure on the school system.
You certainly have Bailey pegged right. His 'we're not responsible" is a classic. Pure Bailey.
You will have my vote if you will run in the next school board election. We NEED people who will speak out.
Trina,
Don't know if it has any application at all but the crosswalk markings and the flashing light on the Turnpike in front of the Civic Center were put there as part of an agreement/settlement between parents of an ORHS student who was hit by a car crossing the road at that point and the City of Oak Ridge (I think). The boy was hurt pretty badly and the parents eventually agreed not to take the City ??? (I believe it was the City and not the school system - but I'm not sure) to court. If you'd like the parents' name and contact info contact me via PM. They may be able to provide some history on this sort of issue.
I think the school zone and lights on the Turnpike in front of the high school came about as part of the redesign of the high school. Since the Turnpike side will now be the "front" of the school -- and the designated student drop-off point -- it was first proposed that there should be a traffic light between the high school and the civic center.
For whatever reason (probably the proximity of nearby traffic lights), that wasn't acceptable to the City, so the flashing light and school zone was a compromise.
I agree, however, that it should have been done long ago. There have been too many accidents at dismissal time, and too many close calls with students crossing on foot to the civic center after school.