South Sacramento Intersection Getting Needed Improvements After Teenager's Death
SOUTH SACRAMENTO (CBS13) — Students living near a South Sacramento high school will soon have a safer walk to school, more than a year after one teen's tragic death.
Not a day goes by that Mary Murigi doesn't think about her daughter, 16-year-old Michelle.
"She was my baby," she said. "I do love her, and I miss her a lot."
Michelle, on her way home from West Campus High, was struck and killed in a crosswalk at 58th Street and Fruitridge Road in early 2012. A drive didn't notice she had started to cross.
"There is nothing really there to warn drivers that this is a very busy crosswalk."
And in fact, city leaders admit the intersection had been flagged for years as one needing more safety measures, but with limited funds, it wasn't at the top of the list. But after Michelle's death, advocates went to work.
"Michelle was injured when one car stopped to let her go across the street, and the other car in the other lane did not."
Terry Preston is with Walk Sacramento, a pedestrian advocacy group. The group joined with the community to ask the city council for improvements.
"Unfortunately, we have plenty that are unsafe in Sacramento."
City Councilman Kevin McCarty says he saw the need at the intersection and will announce plans on Wednesday to install a working stoplight at the intersection.
"We will have a functioning intersection out there to allow kids to cross safely."
While too late for her daughter, Mary is at peace knowing that soon Michelle's death won't be in vain.
"If it can save another life, that is wonderful. It's wonderful news."
