Fairfax County officials are facing growing calls from parents for permanent crossing guards at schools after three separate accidents this week involved students traveling on bicycles or e‑scooters. The most tragic incident occurred when a 13‑year‑old middle‑school student was struck and killed by a truck on Pickett Road near a shopping center.
Recent accidents raise safety concerns
According to the Fairfax County Public Schools district, Wednesday saw three vehicle‑student collisions. In addition to the fatal crash, an 11‑year‑old girl’s e‑scooter was hit by a vehicle turning into a school parking lot in Chantilly, and another 13‑year‑old cyclist was struck by a car and taken to a hospital.
Police have confirmed the incidents but have not released further details about charges or driver identities. The driver in the fatal case did not remain at the scene but was located nearby shortly after.
Parents demand more protection
“Focus on safety and things people are saying. Drivers paying more attention, kids paying more attention,” said parent Donna Ebaugh when asked about possible solutions. Kristine Kelly, another parent, added, “It’s scary to have kids out on these bikes because they’re so fast. I see them without helmets, and that’s scary too, but yes, crossing guards would help.”
Both parents emphasized the need for increased supervision at busy intersections and school entrances, especially as more students choose active transportation.
School board response
Fairfax County School Board Chair Karl Frisch acknowledged the community’s concerns, stating that student safety requires partnership among the school system, the Board of Supervisors, state leaders, the Virginia Department of Transportation, parents, and students. “Part of that includes crossing; part of that includes other safe routes to school; part of that includes the responsibility of parents to obey directions from the schools about where and when to drop off students and pick students up,” Frisch said.
Frisch also noted that any decision to make crossing guards permanent must be based on a comprehensive county‑wide assessment. “We want to make sure every penny is going towards keeping our students safe when they’re going to and from school. That’s what’s important here,” he added.
Funding and next steps
The board’s assessment will examine current crossing guard coverage, traffic patterns, and budget implications. Fairfax County has previously faced funding cuts that reduced the number of high‑school crossing guards, prompting a recent discussion about restoring those positions.
Community members are encouraged to submit input during the upcoming public hearing on the assessment, scheduled for next month. Parents and local residents can also contact their county supervisors to voice support for permanent crossing guard programs.
What families can do now
In the meantime, officials advise drivers to remain vigilant near school zones and for students to wear helmets and follow designated crossing routes. Parents are urged to model safe behavior and reinforce the importance of obeying traffic signals and crossing guard instructions.
As Fairfax County works to evaluate its safety infrastructure, the hope is that a data‑driven approach will lead to lasting solutions that protect children while they travel to and from school.
Original reporting: Arlington County | FOX 5 DC — read the source article.
