TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – It's been just over nine months since a Plant High School cheerleader was struck by a hit-and-run driver as she visited her brother at Florida State University. Jackie Faircloth (pictured below), 18, is still in rehab, and Tallahassee traffic planners are now taking steps to make the roadway safer where she was hit.
Prosecutors have been monitoring Faircloth's progress before proceeding in the case. A recent Facebook post by Faircloth's mom says she is getting better.
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At the intersection where she was hurt, which is a gateway to the FSU campus, new, pedestrian-activated warning lights were installed just in time for the new school year. There was no shortage of students using the lights or crosswalk.
When asked if she felt the lights make it safer, FSU sophomore Emily Banks said, "Yeah, they do. I'm really glad those lights are there, because cars actually stop."
"We were living here when the accident happened. It's very tragic," said FSU sophomore Kennedy Granger, who said he believes the lights make it safer, too. "I believe it was a really good call for them to put them in."
Tallahassee's Public Works Director Gabe Menendez said the bright flashing lights have been proven to work.
"They have shown that this does raise the awareness of drivers, especially the drivers to the presence of pedestrians in the area," Menendez said.
And in a short time of watching the intersection, most cars slowed down, but not all.
The intersection is in the middle of a long, sloping block. The city said it is considering speed bumps in the area as well, but must first change its policy on the class of roadway where speed bumps are allowed.
The 20-year-old driver accused of hitting and leaving Faircloth is set to be in court Oct. 6.