by Staff Report
Getting to school just got safer for students at six Skagit County schools.
The county’s public works employees have recently installed solar powered school zone lights at Allen, Big Lake, Clear Lake, Edison, Fidalgo and Samish elementary schools.
The flashing warning lights will help drivers know when the schools’ 20 mph speed limit is in force, eliminating the need for the common “When Children Are Present” signs currently in place, a county news release said.
Lighting systems can be programmed via the Internet based on each school’s schedule, and can be adjusted for half-days, holidays and evening events.
Law enforcement can monitor the lighting systems’ “tattle tale” lights to track speeding motorists from afar, the release said.
Funding for the lights came from a $56,000 grant from the Washington Traffic Safety Commission.
