FARR WEST, Utah — A community in Weber County is trying to bring about change in an intersection they worry is dangerous, as parents and a local crossing guard attempt to make improvements to 2700 North and 2000 West.
"[I] like to help the community and be where I can,” said Larry Antunez.
Antunez is a Farr West crossing guard who helps kids in the mornings and evenings as they get to and from the school.
Not all heroes wear capes – Antunez is one of them. He wears his safety vest and has his stop sign in hand.
"This is a very busy intersection, speeds are way too high," he said.
With an elementary school and junior high close by, Antunez helps students cross the street at the busy intersection, but he’s scared for himself and the kids walking there.
"Sometimes, I feel helpless because I can’t help them 100 percent," he explained.
Antunez wears a body cam and posts about some of his close calls, which have received the attention of parents like Emily Shupe, who want to make change.
"Our kids are the most important thing that we have,” said Shupe. “Being able to access safe ways to get to school should be of top of everyone's lists.”
Shupe attendwd Thursday night's Farr West City Council meeting agenda and voiced some of her concerns.
"Concerns about the safety of this intersection have been brought up by the community, administration of Farr West elementary for years,” added Shupe.
Others joined Shupe in asking for change. Even though it is a Utah Department of Transportation intersection, residents hope the city can do something.
"Reducing the speed will make a huge difference in fatal accident rates at this intersection,” said Shupe. “If we are unable to reduce speed, implementing an advance warning flash would help notify drivers that they are approaching a red light."
UDOT tells FOX 13 News they are considering reducing the speed limit at that intersection.
There were also suggestions of adding flags to cross and educating drivers that this intersection has a zebra crosswalk - which means that you can’t drive into it if there is someone crossing.
City council members want to do something about it, along with state partners.
"These are great ideas that we can take to them, and I think we should,” said Farr West assistant Mayor Boyd Ferrin. “We are going to need the public's support behind this. So your voice here tonight is very important.”
As for Antunez, he will keep doing this part, one step at a time.
“Treat it like your kids were going to school.”
