Los Angeles school and city officials discussed new safety measures at crosswalks Monday morning during a “Walk to School” event more than eight months after a 42-year-old mother was fatally struck by a truck while walking her daughter to school in Hollywood.
Marleni Edith Barrera was with her daughter in a crosswalk near Joseph Le Conte Middle School on Feb. 10 when a big-rig struck them. Barrera was taken to a hospital where she later died.
Investigators said the truck driver was not under the influence and did not experience any mechanical problems prior to the crash. At least one parent after the collision said the T-intersection where Fountain Avenue meets Bronson Avenue is too dangerous and needs improvements such as a traffic signal and a crossing guard.
LAUSD officials said shortly after the crash that they had investigated traffic at the location and requested a crossing guard, but the city had not assigned one due to "limited resources," city Department of Transportation officials said.
The “Walk to School” event featured LA City Councilman Mitch O’Farrell, Le Conte Middle School Principal Rose Hindinger, and the Department of Transportation officials. Plans for new initiatives such as enhanced signage and a flashing signal were expected to be discussed.
The event comes less than a week after an 11-year-old boy was killed in a hit-and-run while walking to an Upland elementary school. Parents there were demanding a crossing guard be assigned near the school.
