By Nicholas Brown
Staff Writer

Very few John Stark Regional High School students walk to school. But some think that those who do may not be protected by adequate safety measures.

On May 11, sophomore Amber Whitfield paused before crossing Route 114 on her way home from school. As she started across the road, directly in front of the school's main driveway, she was hit from behind by a car driving north.

The Acura sport utility vehicle launched Whitfield into the air, said Lou Chatel, a Weare police officer who witnessed the tail end of the accident and conducted an on-site investigation.

Charnel Cecenas, Whitfield's mother, said her daughter suffered some fairly serious injuries - including a concussion, some bruising and a sprained ankle - but was able to return to school several days after the incident.

The driver of the vehicle was a 69-year-old woman who was visiting her daughter, said Chatel. He added that his investigation showed no evidence that the driver was speeding or doing anything improper. No charges were filed against the driver.

"I.d hate to think of what would happen if my daughter got killed in that accident," said Cecenas. "I.d like to do what I can to prevent someone from getting killed out there."

Cecenas, who lives with her daughter almost directly across the highway from the school, said she sees many drivers ignore speed limits and drive carelessly through that stretch of the state highway. She added that even if cars did obey the speed limits - regularly 45 mph, but 35 mph during the school's morning and afternoon busy hours - traffic would still be too fast for pedestrians to be safe.

"She could have been killed because of that speed limit," said Cecenas. "And a lot of cars probably go 55 or 60 miles an hour."

Chatel said Weare police officers make all efforts to direct traffic at the intersection of the school driveway and the highway during peak traffic hours, generally beginning shortly before 3 p.m. on weekdays.

He added that he's never before heard of a major traffic accident - or pedestrian accident - along the that stretch of Route 114 in his two years of service, but said more should be done to improve the safety of the students.

"I really think it would be a good idea to review the situation and see if there's a need for a crosswalk," said Chatel. "Somebody should get out there and do a site survey."

Chatel said he's made these same recommendations to Weare's police chief, but is not yet aware of any action on the matter.

There are currently no marked areas for pedestrians to cross John Stark Highway along the school's property. Chatel said a crosswalk near the school's driveway entrance, if accompanied by a flashing yellow light, might be a good precautionary measure for the state to pursue.

"A review would be a good investment, even though there aren't many kids who do walk to school," he said. "She (Whitfield) was lucky she didn't die."

Weare police officer Bob Peterson, who is posted daily at the high school, was the first responder to the accident. He said Weare Middle School, located farther south on Route 114, seems more accommodating to foot traffic than the high school. The middle school has both a flashing yellow light and a marked crosswalk on the highway.