A sixth grader in Portsmouth has taken her concerns directly to town leaders, calling for changes to improve pedestrian safety near her school.

 

Hailey Buckell began sixth grade at Portsmouth Middle School just over two weeks ago, but told 12 News she and her classmates feel nervous walking to school each morning.

 

While there is a crosswalk at the school’s entrance, Hailey said it is often blocked by vehicles during drop-off and pickup times, forcing students to cross elsewhere. She said the situation is especially scary because it can be difficult for drivers to see them as they approach a nearby curve.

 

In a handwritten letter addressed to Portsmouth Town Clerk Jennifer West and Town Administrator Richard Rainer, Hailey pointed to several safety concerns surrounding the intersection of Jepson Lane and Sisson Pond Road.

 

“I walk to school and [almost] get hit by cars every other day on the corner in morning and night,” she wrote.

“People come around the corners way [too] fast.”

 

Some of the dangers she worries about include speeding, distracted driving and road conditions.

 

“These changes can make this road safer and help prevent someone from getting hurt,” she added. “We shouldn’t wait for a [serious] accident to happen before fixing a problem that we already know is there.”

 

See more at wpri.com.