Ritchie and Blankenbush to Introduce Bill to Lower Speed Limit Outside Hermon-DeKalb Central School

Following an increasing number of accidents in front of Hermon-DeKalb Central School, State Senator Patty Ritchie and Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush are introducing legislation that will reduce the speed limit on the stretch of roadway running adjacent to the school and in turn, protect the safety of students, families and educators.

Just recently, the district’s security cameras captured a two-vehicle accident in front of the school at the intersection of U.S. Route 11 and East DeKalb Road. The accident left a student who was traveling with her parents with a broken collarbone and the driver of the other vehicle with a broken hand. According to district officials, last year, a school faculty member was involved in a crash that could have killed her. 

In light of the accidents, legislation is being introduced by Senator Ritchie and Assemblyman Blankenbush that will reduce the speed limit on U.S. Route 11 from 55 miles per-hour to 35 miles per-hour on a half mile portion of roadway near the school.

“There have been far too many accidents on this dangerous stretch of roadway—a stretch that each and every day sees cars and buses bringing young children to and from school,” said Senator Ritchie.

“I fear that it’s only a matter of time before a more serious accident occurs. Lowering the speed limit just before and just after the school is the least we can do to better protect children and those responsible for getting them to and from school each day.”

“Too many individuals in our community have been injured in accidents occurring at this intersection. We can’t continue to put any more lives at risk,” said Assemblyman Blankenbush. “Lowering the speed limit will help keep our students and faculty safe. I am proud to be working alongside Senator Ritchie to protect our residents.” 

“As a graduate of Hermon-DeKalb Central, I have heard and seen, firsthand, the dangers our families face attempting to bring their children to school. This stretch of roadway presents a clear and present danger and changing the speed limit has the support of not only school officials, but all of our community,” St. Lawrence County Legislator Larry Denesha said.

“I want to thank Senator Ritchie and Assemblyman Blankenbush for taking our concerns seriously and leading the charge for change. This is an opportunity to be proactive and not, after a tragedy, have to ask ourselves why we didn’t do this sooner.”

“This is not something we can put off until someone is seriously hurt or worse—we must be proactive and make this change before it is too late,” said Hermon-DeKalb Superintendent Mark White.

“As educators, we want the very best for our students and families, and reducing the speed limit outside of our school is one way we can make sure our school is safer and our students can focus on their education. I want to thank Senator Ritchie and Assemblyman Blankenbush for getting out in front of this dangerous situation and I hope their efforts lead to this necessary change.”

In addition to this bill, the Hermon-DeKalb Central School District has created an online petition that people can sign to show their support for lowering the speed limit on U.S. Route 11 near the school. You can sign the petition by clicking here.