Students crossing the street during lunch (photo by Karina Monticone).

Recently, it seems as if the rate of student’s getting hit by cars while crossing the street after school hours has increased in the past year.

Students need to be aware that although a light may be red and they feel that it’s an appropriate time to cross the street, it isn’t completely safe until the walking signal appears.

On Jan. 31, 2012 two of three students that attended Bill Sybert Middle School were crossing the street around four thirty p.m. once they left after school tutoring, were hit by a pickup, one of the two kids that were hit died. The driver, 33-year-old Blanca Schuler, had the right away and will not be facing any charges. According to kvia.com, El Paso police claimed that the children attempted to run against the traffic lights and the signal.

Accidents do happen when pedestrians are looking out for the walk signal and when using crosswalks.

Earlier in 2011, two Hanks High School students were struck by a truck. Neither of the two girls were seriously injured, but the accident did leave scars.

It’s also important for drivers of cars to pay attention to pedestrians crossing the streets. Although it may be okay for a driver to go, or make a turn, some people, like the eleven year old girl killed, don’t always take the risk of being hit into consideration.

Whether one is driving or crossing the street, it’s important for not only he or she, but everyone else to make sure one pays attention to he or she’s surroundings.