Some students and their parents are trying to make a busy Rockaway intersection safer before the school year begins.
They joined elected officials at a press conference Monday on the corner of Rockaway Beach Blvd and Beach 102nd Street. They say the intersection, which is near 8 schools, has a high traffic flow and isn't safe for kids to cross.
They are asking the Department of Transportation (DOT) for better signage, properly painted crosswalks and directional signals.
“I am really worried that something is going to happen and from experience through my friend, I would like to make sure that our school community is safe,” said student Daniella Ciniglio.
“Very large amount of students to all the cars, that is so many people's lives at risk, it is such a simple action to ensure the safety of so many,” added student Amanda Garcia.
Assemblywomen Stacey Pheffer Amato and Senator Joe Addabbo have each introduced legislation to provide crossing guards.
A DOT Spokesperson told NY1 the department installed two additional crossings in the area, and installed traffic signals in October 2014 along with countdown signals. DOT is also working to address illegal parking in the median to provide more space for pedestrians at crosswalks.